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Huano Grape Orange vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice

An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Grape Orange and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique advantages, catering to different typing preferences. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its ultra-low 40g actuation force, providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience that makes it ideal for lengthy typing sessions. This switch allows for swift keystrokes without the fatigue often associated with extended use, making it a top choice for those who prioritize comfort. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its vibrant and clacky characteristics, delivering a lively feedback that enhances the typing experience. Its light touch and energetic response make it perfect for users who appreciate a more tactile sensation while typing. Both switches cater to specific user preferences—comfort versus feedback—highlighting their distinct qualities. 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

40g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

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

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

Both the Huano Grape Orange and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. This similarity arises from polycarbonate's inherent properties; being a stiffer plastic, it facilitates a crisper and more resonant sound that enhances the auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes these switches particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, allowing the light to pass through effectively and create visually appealing effects. As a result, users can expect a vibrant aesthetic when selecting either of these switches for their mechanical keyboards.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials between these two switches differ significantly, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Grape Orange utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound waves. This results in a rounder and more pronounced bottom-out experience when pressing the key. Conversely, the Salt Ice incorporates polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, mirroring the characteristics found in its top housing. This choice reinforces the overall sharper sound profile, which might appeal to users who prefer a more resonant typing experience without the cushioning effect typically provided by nylon.

The differing bottom housing materials provide unique tactile sensations and audio experiences when using the switches. While the Grape Orange yields a richer, more subdued sound thanks to the nylon bottom housing, the Salt Ice delivers a brighter, crisper auditory feedback attributable to its polycarbonate construction. This distinction is critical for users who have specific preferences regarding sound and feel during typing. Ultimately, while both switches share the polycarbonate top housing that ensures visual and auditory clarity, the contrasting materials in their bottom housings create different typing dynamics that cater to varying user preferences.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Grape Orange requiring a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams. This distinction suggests that the Grape Orange may be more suitable for users who favor a gentler touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Salt Ice is unspecified, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard. The Grape Orange has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a clearer understanding of its overall feel when the key is fully pressed down. As a result, while the Grape Orange offers a softer touch both at actuation and bottom out, the Salt Ice may provide a heavier feel because of its higher actuation force, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Grape Orange is the lighter switch, while the Salt Ice is the heavier option available.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Grape Orange the longer option, providing a slightly deeper keystroke compared to the shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Salt Ice. Gamers, who often favor quicker response times, might prefer the Salt Ice for its shorter travel distance, leading to faster actuation. However, for users who appreciate a more tactile depth and a fuller feel with each key press, the Grape Orange may be the more suitable choice due to its longer travel distance. Overall, your preference between these two switches will largely depend on whether you value speed or a more substantial keystroke experience.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.

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

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange linear switch has not been distinctly characterized in the provided information, leaving its acoustic profile unknown. Meanwhile, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics. This suggests that the Salt Ice switch might produce a lively and engaging auditory feedback during typing, likely appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound signature in their mechanical keyboard experience.

When examining the feel of these switches, the Grape Orange stands out for its ultra-light 40g actuation force, which results in an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience. This makes the Grape Orange particularly suitable for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Salt Ice also provides a light touch but emphasizes vibrant feedback and an energetic, responsive sensation during use. While both switches cater to users who prefer lighter actuation forces, the Salt Ice may offer more pronounced tactile feedback, creating a different dynamic during typing.

In summary, while the Grape Orange linear switch is designed for an effortless typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch stands out with its audibly bright and clacky sound, along with its vibrant feedback. Although both provide a light actuation force that contributes to comfort during typing, the Salt Ice may offer a more energetic experience due to its responsive feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quiet, smooth experience or a lively, tactile interaction.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Huano Grape Orange and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and use cases. If you're someone who values a light and comfortable typing experience—especially for extended sessions—the Huano Grape Orange switch, with its low actuation force of 40 grams, is an excellent choice. It's designed to minimize finger fatigue, allowing you to type for hours without discomfort. The Grape Orange provides a smooth and subtle feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more understated sound and a tactile yet quiet experience. On the other hand, if you want to infuse your typing with a bit of energy and responsiveness, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch stands out with its vibrant clacky feedback and effortless actuation. This switch emphasizes a more lively typing experience, appealing to gamers or those who enjoy quick, dynamic keystrokes in their workflows. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize comfort for prolonged use or the energetic feedback that can enhance your typing excitement.

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