TKC Kiwi vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TKC Kiwi, a tactile switch, to the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, there are a few key differences to consider. The Kiwi Switches are praised for their tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the overall typing experience. The switches are also factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience from the moment they are used. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, combined with a light touch for responsive typing. While the Kiwi offers a more immersive typing experience, the Salt Ice stands out for its energetic feedback and effortless actuation. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Kiwi utilizes UHWMPE for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. On the other hand, the Salt Ice incorporates polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials provide clear and resonant sound profiles, the UHWMPE in the Kiwi may offer a slightly softer and more muted sound compared to the polycarbonate in the Salt Ice.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the two switches also differ. The UHWMPE used in the Kiwi's housing does not offer translucency, while the polycarbonate in the Salt Ice's housing allows for clear casing that can showcase RGB lighting beautifully. This difference in visual appeal may be a deciding factor for users who prioritize customizable lighting effects in their keyboards. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate compared to UHWMPE may result in a more rigid feel when typing on the Salt Ice, while the Kiwi may offer a slightly more cushioned typing experience due to the properties of UHWMPE.
Overall, while both the TKC Kiwi and Jerrzi Salt Ice feature housings that contribute to a distinct sound profile, they have their own unique characteristics and aesthetics. The choice between UHWMPE and polycarbonate housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual appeal. However, both switches are likely to provide satisfying typing experiences with their respective housing materials, offering users a range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiwi is heavier at 67 grams while the Salt Ice force is unknown. This means that the Kiwi offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Salt Ice may provide a lighter touch with an unknown bottom out force. Both switches offer a different typing feel, with the Kiwi being on the medium-heavy side and the Salt Ice remaining a bit of a mystery in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that the Kiwi has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm. While both distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Kiwi being slightly on the longer side, the difference may be noticeable depending on personal preference. Gamers who prioritize a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Kiwi. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 TKC Kiwi tactile switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone with a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's sound characteristics are unspecified, so it is uncertain how it compares to the Kiwi in terms of sound. Both switches' sound profiles can be further influenced by the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as having a stepped and accented feel, offering a two-stage tactile feedback that is noticeable without being overwhelming, along with a polished finish for smooth key travel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's feel characteristics are unknown, leaving its tactile experience up for interpretation. If the Salt Ice switch provides a similar stepped and accented tactile feedback with a polished finish, users can expect a comparable typing experience to that of the Kiwi.
In conclusion, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile, medium-strong tactile bump, and polished feel that enhances typing comfort and satisfaction. While the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch lacks specific information about its sound and feel qualities, if it delivers similar characteristics of a stepped, accented feel with a polished finish, users may find it comparable to the Kiwi in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a medium to medium-strong tactile bump in your typing experience, then the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Kiwi switch provides a satisfyingly snappy sound profile with a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with bright and clacky characteristics, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch would be more suitable for you. The Salt Ice switch offers vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, delivering an energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
