Keygeek Keylin vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both stand out as exceptional linear options, yet they cater to different preferences. The Keylin switch is celebrated for its premium typing experience, featuring rich acoustics and an exceptionally smooth stroke, making it ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and refined feel during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is renowned for its bright, clacky characteristics that offer vibrant feedback and a light touch, appealing to users who enjoy an energetic and responsive typing experience. While both switches deliver a linear feel, with the Keylin focusing on smoothness and subtlety, and the Salt Ice emphasizing feedback and responsiveness, your choice will ultimately depend on what aspects of typing you value most. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, we see a distinct contrast in the materials used for both the top and bottom housings. The Keylin features nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which allows it to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This characteristic is particularly evident during typing as the material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly suitable for users who prefer a more emphasized auditory feedback during typing.
The differences in material not only affect the sound profile but also the overall experience of using each keyboard. For the Keylin with its all-nylon housing, users are likely to enjoy a more muted and plush typing experience, where the sound feels more contained and subdued. On the other hand, for the Salt Ice, the polycarbonate housing enables a lighter and more resonant feel, ideal for those who favor a sharper and more tactile feedback. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate material allows for a vibrant RGB lighting effect, enhancing visual aesthetics in illuminated environments, whereas the nylon may not accommodate the same level of brightness or clarity when displaying lighting effects.
Despite these differences, a user may find a balance between the two experiences. If the Keylin were to incorporate a polycarbonate housing, the typing experience could yield a similar crispness to that of the Salt Ice, especially if only the top housing were changed. Conversely, if the Salt Ice opted for nylon, it could provide a fuller, richer auditory experience akin to the Keylin. Ultimately, the choice in housing materials profoundly affects not just auditory feedback but also the tactile sensations and aesthetic appeal of each keyboard, leading to uniquely tailored typing experiences based on user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there are notable differences. The Keylin features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to press and suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Salt Ice has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some typists may prefer. However, the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown, which means we can't directly compare it with the Keylin's bottom out force of 48 grams. This gives the Keylin an advantage for those who favor a lighter overall experience. If the bottom out force of the Salt Ice were known and similar to the Keylin's, it could potentially offer comparable results in terms of usage; otherwise, the Keylin remains the preferable option for lighter tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find notable differences that may affect user experience. The Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice measures in at 3.4 mm. This means that the Keylin switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, providing a warmer feel during typing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's shorter travel distance could be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times, offering a more snappy, abrupt feel. Ultimately, users who favor a more responsive experience may lean towards the Salt Ice, while those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a longer travel distance might favor the Keylin.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Keylin linear switch is noted for its rich acoustics, which contribute to a premium typing experience. This quality helps create a full-bodied sound profile that enhances the overall typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally bright and clacky nature, which provides a vibrant audio feedback that many users find stimulating. While both switches offer distinct auditory signatures, achieving similar sound experiences can vary depending on factors like keyboard construction and choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Keylin linear switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, offering a refined typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. The Salt Ice switch, on the other hand, presents a more energetic and responsive feel, marked by its effortless actuation and vibrant feedback. Users may notice that while the Keylin offers a buttery smooth typing sensation, the Salt Ice delivers a punchy and lively interaction, making both switches cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Keylin and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches present distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to varying user preferences. The Keylin switch provides rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, while the Salt Ice emphasizes a bright sound and energetic feedback. While the auditory and tactile nuances differ, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, tailored to their specific desires for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, your individual preferences and typing style should guide your choice. If you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Keylin switch is an excellent option. It provides a premium typing feel with rich acoustics, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more subdued, yet satisfying typing experience, especially in quieter environments. Conversely, if you thrive on feedback and an energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switch could be your best bet. Its lively and clacky characteristics, along with an ultra-light touch, deliver an exhilarating sensation for those who type quickly and want that responsive feedback with every keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value smoothness and subtlety over responsiveness and vibrancy in your mechanical keyboard, so consider your priorities to find the switch that best fits your style.
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