Kailh BCP vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between options that offer different tactile experiences and auditory feedback. The Kailh BCP switches stand out with their innovative design, reimagining the beloved Black Cherry Pie feel through custom-molded switches that promote a hassle-free assembly process. Users are treated to a uniquely creamy, elastic bounce alongside a signature poppy and clacky sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Contrastingly, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches emphasize a different kind of vibrancy, providing exceptionally bright and clacky feedback paired with a light touch, making them an enticing option for those who desire an energetic and responsive interaction with their keyboard. While both options cater to linear switch lovers, they offer distinct personal touches: the BCP for its rich auditory signature and cushioned feel, and the Salt Ice for its lively actuation and feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your typing needs.

By the numbers

Kailh BCP Linear

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Kailh BCP and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both utilize distinct materials in their construction that contribute significantly to their sound profiles and overall performance. The Kailh BCP switches feature a nylon top housing, which is noted for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the nylon plastic. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder audio signature that many typists may find more pleasant. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer quality of polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity, making every keystroke sound more pronounced and bright. This difference in materials affects not only the auditory experience but also the tactile feedback during typing.

Looking at the bottom housings, both the Kailh BCP and Jerrzi Salt Ice continue to demonstrate their material distinctions. The BCP employs a nylon bottom housing that complements its top housing’s characteristics by maintaining that deeper sound signature, promoting an overall cohesive auditory experience. The nylon's softness aids in sound absorption, contributing to a duller bottom-out sound that aligns with the full profile established by the top housing. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the attributes of its top counterpart, resulting in a sharp and resonant sound during key presses. This creates a more cohesive upper and lower sound profile, ensuring the clarity of sound is maintained throughout the keystroke.

When considering the implications of these different housing materials, it's clear that the combination of a softer nylon in the Kailh BCP and a stiffer polycarbonate in the Jerrzi Salt Ice leads to distinct typing experiences. The BCP’s overall sound is likely to be warmer and more muted, while the Salt Ice will deliver a bright and lively auditory signature. However, both switches can still produce satisfying results, despite their material differences. The clear bottom or top housing with polycarbonate can enhance RGB lighting visibility for the Salt Ice, creating a visual appeal that complements its crisp sound. Meanwhile, the BCP can still provide a rich typing feel and sound for those preferring a softer auditory experience, ultimately showcasing how variations in housing material shape key switch performance and user preference in the world of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation forces. The BCP has a notable actuation force of 52 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, catering to users who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, while the BCP’s bottom out force is quantified at 63.5 grams, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice remains unknown. This lack of information complicates a direct comparison regarding bottoming out experience, as bottom out force can heavily influence the overall feel of a switch. Overall, if a user prefers a lighter switch for easier keystrokes, the Salt Ice is the better choice, while those looking for more resistance should opt for the BCP.

Travel distance

When comparing the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find that the BCP has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Salt Ice comes in slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for quicker and more responsive keystrokes, the Salt Ice switch may better suit your preference due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the BCP switch offers a little more depth, potentially providing a more substantial tactile feedback for those who favor a less abrupt actuation. Ultimately, the Kailh BCP's longer travel distance of 3.5 mm could be ideal for individuals who appreciate a more pronounced keypress, while gamers or typists who prefer speed and immediacy might lean towards the slightly shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh BCP linear switch is renowned for its signature poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an enticing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. The vibrant sound produced is engaging and adds an element of enjoyment to the typing experience. This switch contrasts with the Jerrzi Salt Ice, which also boasts a bright and clacky sound characteristic but emphasizes an exceptionally lively acoustic quality that is further enhanced by a light touch. Both switches deliver an energetic sound that heightens the overall typing sensation, though their unique implementations may lead to slightly different auditory experiences, influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.

When it comes to feel, the Kailh BCP offers a creamy, viscous, elastic, and bouncy sensation that contributes to a satisfying typing experience. The smooth return of the switch, combined with its distinctive resistance, strikes a balance between comfort and engagement. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, which creates an unimpeded typing experience that many users might find exhilarating. While the Kailh BCP emphasizes a more textured, elastic feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice prioritizes responsiveness, resulting in two distinct tactile engagements that cater to different typing preferences.

In summary, both the Kailh BCP and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches provide a distinctly bright and clacky sound, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback from their keyboards. While the Kailh BCP is marked by its creamy and bouncy feel, perfect for those who appreciate a lightly resistant touch, the Salt Ice focuses on vibrant and responsive actuation that enhances speed and efficiency. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, either switch can provide an excellent experience, with the choice ultimately boiling down to personal taste.

Conclusion

To conclude, when you're deciding between the Kailh BCP linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider what type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a more solid and robust feel accompanied by a satisfying poppy and clacky sound, the BCP is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams gives a reassuring feedback that can enhance your typing precision, making it suitable for those who enjoy a tactile sensation and a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lively and effervescent typing experience, the Salt Ice switch might be your go-to option. With its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics paired with a light touch, it offers a highly responsive feel that can be particularly enjoyable for fast typists or gamers looking for quick actuation. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value a bouncier, more substantial experience with the BCP or a light, energetic response with the Salt Ice switches.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more