Dareu Holly vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Dareu Holly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice. The Dareu Holly is a tactile switch known for its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is a linear switch with exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, accompanied by a light touch for vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Holly caters to users looking for a more neutral typing experience, the Salt Ice is ideal for those seeking 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Holly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both keyboards feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches creates a more resonant and clear sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a distinct typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it perfect for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the keyboards.
However, a key point of contrast between the two keyboards lies in their bottom housing materials. The Holly utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to individuals looking for a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like the top housing, produces a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the bottom housing adds to the overall clear and resonant sound profile of the keyboard.
Overall, while both the Dareu Holly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Holly's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and fuller sound profile, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile seen in its top housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two keyboards may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel, with each offering a unique typing experience based on the materials used in their housing construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Holly requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one is lighter or heavier in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Holly may appeal to those who prefer a slightly firmer typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the actuation force playing a significant role in determining the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly 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 Holly has a longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The Holly's 4 mm travel distance is more in line with traditional switch travel distances, offering a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences for key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 it comes to sound, the Dareu Holly tactile switch offers a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing users with a balanced and distinctive typing experience. The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, making it a standout choice for those seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. The Holly switch's chirpy and clacky sound signature sets it apart, while the Salt Ice switch delivers a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, resulting in a more lively typing sound. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, specific information about the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is not provided. However, it can be generally understood that tactile switches like the Holly typically offer a bump in feedback when the key is actuated, providing a satisfying typing experience. Linear switches like the Salt Ice, on the other hand, offer a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, ideal for users who prefer a linear typing experience. The choice between a tactile and linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch each offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Holly's distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature caters to those looking for a balanced typing experience, while the Salt Ice's bright and clacky characteristics provide an energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as their typing style. Regardless of the choice, both switches are sure to provide a high-quality typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a balanced and distinctive typing experience with a medium actuation force and a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, then the Holly switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch and exceptionally bright, clacky characteristics with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, then the Salt Ice switch may be more suited to your typing needs. Consider how you like your switches to sound and feel, as well as the type of typing experience you are seeking, when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences for a more enjoyable and optimized typing experience.
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