Durock Ice King Linear vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a frictionless and polished feel. This switch is perfect for users seeking a creamy, seamless keystroke that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice stands out with its bright, clacky characteristics and light touch, delivering an energetic and responsive typing experience that appeals to users who crave vibrant feedback with every keystroke. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their differing tactile qualities make them suitable for distinct typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Nylon
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches present an interesting contrast in terms of their housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic and aesthetic characteristics. The Ice King Linear features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This sound absorption capability of nylon creates a rounder acoustic experience, making it suitable for users who prefer a muted, rich sound when typing. Conversely, the Salt Ice employs a polycarbonate top housing, which leads to a sharper and clearer sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance and brightness of the sound, making the Salt Ice ideal for those who favor a crisp typing experience. Thus, these differing materials yield distinctly different auditory experiences, highlighting the particular aesthetic and functional preferences of users.
The bottom housings of both switches mirror the respective properties of their top housings, which further accentuates their contrasting sound profiles. The Ice King Linear's nylon bottom housing contributes to a consistent full-bodied resonance, reinforcing the key experience with its softer material that absorbs sound effectively. On the contrary, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, much like its top counterpart, supports a sharper, more pronounced auditory feedback. As the bottom housing significantly affects the sound and feel when bottoming out, these materials create disparate tactile experiences. In essence, the association of nylon with a deeper tonal quality compares unfavorably with the sharper characteristics of polycarbonate, resulting in two distinct feel and sound profiles that cater to different user preferences.
Despite the differences in housing material, both switches can deliver satisfactory auditory experiences, albeit through diverging pathways. Users seeking the deep sounds of nylon in the Ice King will appreciate its ability to create a warm typing environment, while those who enjoy the higher-pitched clarity of the Salt Ice will benefit from the crisp actuation of polycarbonate. Therefore, if someone aims to achieve a specific sound profile similar to one of these switches, they can focus on either entirely using nylon or polycarbonate materials across both the top and bottom housings. In conclusion, while the Ice King Linear and Salt Ice switches incorporate varied materials that shape their unique sound profiles, enthusiasts can choose based on their auditory preferences and desired keyboard aesthetic to achieve the results they desire.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Ice King Linear requires an actuation force of 52 grams, while the Salt Ice is lighter at 45 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for prolonged use, such as during long work sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch remains unknown, complicating a direct comparison in that regard. The Ice King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully depressed. This medium bottom out feel could appeal to typists who appreciate a more substantial tactile engagement. Overall, if you're searching for a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice is likely the better choice, while those who enjoy a heavier feel with more feedback might prefer the Durock Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Ice King Linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Ice King offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Durock Ice King Linear switch provides a deeper feel with a more pronounced key press, appealing to users who prefer that hearty depth. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, with its 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for fast-paced activities. While both switches are close in their travel distances, the Ice King offers a slight edge in depth, whereas the Salt Ice is more aligned with modern preferences for responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Ice King Linear switch offers a quiet typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued overall noise profile. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch is characterized by its bright and clacky acoustics, often providing users with pronounced auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This substantial difference means that the Typer seeking a more tranquil environment would likely favor the Ice King, while those who enjoy a more energetic soundscape will be drawn to the Salt Ice.
Regarding feel, the Ice King Linear is celebrated for its silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished nature. These descriptors collectively suggest a highly pleasurable typing experience, where each key press glides smoothly without resistance, enabling fingers to flow effortlessly over the keyboard. The combination of full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication contributes to this smoothness. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Salt Ice switch are less specified, making it hard to provide a comparative analysis. However, users can generally expect a light and responsive typing experience, as noted in its energetic feedback.
In summary, while the Ice King Linear excels in providing a smooth, quiet, and luxurious typing experience, the Salt Ice switch appeals to those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback and a potentially different tactile experience. If you’re looking for a peaceful work environment, the Ice King would be the ideal choice, whereas the Salt Ice would suit those who thrive on energetic and lively key presses. Both switches, while distinct in their sound and potentially in feel, offer unique benefits catering to different typing preferences, ensuring that there’s a suitable option for every keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Durock Ice King Linear and the Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of feedback you seek from your keyboard. If you prefer a medium-bottom-out force and prioritize a silky smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Ice King Linear would be your go-to option. Its full nylon construction and generous factory lube provide a frictionless and polished feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and smoothness are paramount. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more energetic and vibrant typing experience with lighter actuation, the Salt Ice switch would suit you better. Known for its clacky characteristics and lively feedback, it offers a dynamic response that’s perfect for users who enjoy a more tactile and responsive feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a more refined and smooth experience or desire an engaging and responsive typing sensation.
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