TTC Gold Brown vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, to the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, it becomes clear that each option offers a unique typing experience. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced feel, featuring a slight bump and moderate weightiness. They also produce a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch and vibrant feedback. While the Gold Browns offer a more muted and satisfying typing experience, the Salt Ice switches provide an energetic and responsive feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch. While both switches share this top housing material, they may have distinct designs or branding to differentiate them visually.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the TTC Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can be satisfying for typists. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing material. This choice maintains the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile throughout the switch, ensuring consistency in sound quality.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the TTC Gold Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice lead to unique typing experiences for users. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the variation in the bottom housing material impacts the overall sound profile and feel of each switch. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. Regardless of the differences, both switches strive to provide a premium typing experience for enthusiasts seeking high-quality key switches.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown also requires more pressure at 63 grams compared to the Salt Ice, which has an unknown bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Salt Ice switch due to its lower actuation force, making it easier to type for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown. The Gold Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more distinct tactile feedback and a more satisfying typing experience for some users. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer their own advantages, so the choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When comparing the sound of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Gold Brown offers a more neutral sound profile that is moderate and balanced, making it suitable for a variety of typing preferences and environments. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant and energetic typing experience that may be more noticeable in a louder setting. Both switches will ultimately provide audible feedback, but the Gold Brown leans towards a softer and more rounded sound, while the Salt Ice is likely to produce a sharper and more pronounced sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle keystroke that is approachable to most users. The switch also features a balanced level of tactility, described as accented to provide a moderate amount of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The Jerrzi Salt Ice switch, on the other hand, does not have specific descriptions available for its feel, but based on its linear nature, it is likely to offer a consistent and effortless typing experience with a lighter touch compared to the Gold Brown. Both switches are expected to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Brown focusing more on a subtle tactile feedback and the Salt Ice emphasizing a smooth and consistent keystroke.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gold Brown is characterized by its balanced and satisfying bump with a softer sound profile, while the Salt Ice stands out with its bright and clacky characteristics and light touch. Depending on whether you prefer a more subtle tactile feedback or a vibrant and responsive typing experience, either switch can provide a high-quality mechanical keyboard experience that suits your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a balanced, moderate typing experience with a slight bump and rounded sound profile, then the Gold Brown switches would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a bright, clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch and choose accordingly.
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