Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both of which are linear switches. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon and UMPE in the top housing and UMPE with a touch of Silicon in the bottom. This crafting results in a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch that offers a slightly textured feel straight out of the box. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Keygeek Raw is ideal for enthusiasts who prefer hand-lubing their switches, the Salt Ice is a standout choice for users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles and overall aesthetics. The Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend for its top housing, while the Salt Ice incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material of the Salt Ice creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Keygeek Raw, which may appeal to those looking for a crisper typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visually striking element to the switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, with polycarbonate known for its stiffness which results in a clear and resonant sound. This translates to a noticeable difference in sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The split between the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials can offer a unique typing experience depending on which aspects of the sound profile are prioritized.
While the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Jerrzi Salt Ice differ in terms of top and bottom housing blends, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The use of exclusive blends in the Keygeek Raw provides a unique typing experience, while the polycarbonate housing of the Salt Ice emphasizes a sharper and crisper sound profile. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sound and feel influenced by the top housing of the Keygeek Raw or the stiffer characteristics of the polycarbonate housing in the Salt Ice will depend on your personal preferences when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, making it slightly heavier compared to the Salt Ice with an actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force for the Keygeek Raw is not specified, while the Salt Ice does not have a specified bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Keygeek Raw is heavier than the Salt Ice, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. However, those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions may opt for the Salt Ice. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer unique typing experiences which cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key press feel and overall typing experience. Whether choosing the Keygeek Raw or the Jerrzi Salt Ice, users can expect a consistent travel distance that offers precision and comfort while typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw is known for its neutral profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level suitable for a variety of users and environments. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Salt Ice switch are not specified, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switch is described as textured, mild, and subtle, providing users with a slightly tactile and light typing experience that is suitable for various preferences. Meanwhile, there is no specific information available regarding the feel of the Salt Ice switch, making it challenging to directly compare the two in this regard. However, based on the descriptions provided, it can be inferred that the Keygeek Raw may offer a more nuanced tactile experience compared to the Salt Ice switch.
In conclusion, both the Keygeek Raw and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Keygeek Raw switch is praised for its creamy yet lightweight construction and slightly textured feel, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch. If a user is looking for a switch with a neutral sound profile and nuanced tactile feel, the Keygeek Raw switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if a user prefers a more energetic and responsive typing experience, the Salt Ice switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on the user's personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a slightly textured and lightweight switch that provides a creamy typing experience and allows for easy hand-lubing, then the Keygeek Raw might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice could be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. Choose the Keygeek Raw for a textured and versatile typing experience or go for the Jerrzi Salt Ice for a bright and responsive typing feel.
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