Neo Lavender HE vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Salt Ice represent two distinct approaches that cater to different typing preferences. The Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean and low sound profile, making it a perfect choice for those who value a quieter typing experience, especially in shared workspaces. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and unique magnetic mechanism provide a smooth and precise feedback that gamers and typists alike can appreciate. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer a strikingly bright and clacky sound that resonates with users looking for a lively and energizing experience. Their light touch and responsive actuation deliver an engaging feedback that can enhance typing speed and enjoyment, making them ideal for gamers and fast typists who thrive on auditory stimulation. While both switches have their advantages based on individual preferences — the Lavender HE for its subtlety and smoothness, and the Salt Ice for its vibrancy and responsiveness — it’s important to delve deeper into their unique characteristics to determine which switch aligns with your specific needs and style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Neo Lavender HE and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches employ different housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Lavender HE features a nylon top housing that is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, possesses sound-absorbing properties that contribute to a duller and rounder auditory experience. This contrasts sharply with the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making these switches ideal for users who prefer clarity in their typing experience. The distinct differences in material lead to varied acoustic results that cater to different typing preferences.
Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches showcase the contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate. The Lavender HE's nylon bottom housing continues the theme of deeper sound production, enhancing the overall muffled sound signature experienced during typing. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing is designed to deliver a clearer and more pronounced sound profile, further emphasizing the switch's responsiveness. Thus, consumers looking for a richer, more subdued typing sound may gravitate toward the Lavender HE, while those in search of a sharper auditory feedback would likely prefer the Salt Ice. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound upon release.
Despite the notable differences in the materials used for their housings, both the Neo Lavender HE and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches can produce satisfying auditory experiences catered to individual user preferences. If the top and bottom housings are mixed in terms of materials, the resulting sound characteristics would blend both nylon's sound-dampening effects with polycarbonate's clarity. This would create a hybrid sound profile that retains depth while still achieving brightness, allowing for a unique typing experience that might appeal to users seeking a balance between the two distinct styles. Thus, while the switches may utilize varied materials, they can be fine-tuned to create similar results by strategically designing the switch for user adaptability.
Weight
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, with the Lavender HE requiring 40 grams to register a keystroke, while the Salt Ice has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Lavender HE is a lighter switch, making it potentially more suitable for users who value longer typing sessions without fatigue, as lighter switches can offer a more comfortable experience during extended use. Regarding bottom out forces, the Lavender HE has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a tactile feedback that some users enjoy, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown. Overall, with a lighter actuation force and a defined bottom out pressure, the Lavender HE may offer a different typing sensation compared to the heavier actuation of the Salt Ice, appealing to those who prefer varying levels of resistance.
Travel distance
The Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Comparing the two, the Lavender HE offers a deeper depression, making it feel more substantial when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice's shorter travel distance can provide a quicker actuation, ideal for gamers looking for rapid response times. Overall, those who favor the sensation of more depth should opt for the Neo Lavender HE, whereas those who appreciate swiftness may gravitate towards the Jerrzi Salt Ice.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Neo Lavender HE switch is characterized by a clean, low sound profile, distinguishing it from many other magnetic switches on the market. This subdued acoustic signature may appeal to users who prefer a more understated auditory experience while typing or gaming, making it well-suited for quieter environments. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer an exceptionally bright and clacky sound, creating a lively and engaging audio environment. This energetic tonal quality may excite users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, perfect for those who enjoy the cacophony of sound as they work or play.
In terms of feel, the Neo Lavender HE switch provides a smooth experience with a tactile actuation that doesn't disrupt the flow of typing. This makes it suitable for users who are looking for a consistent, fluid feel while typing without any extraneous bumps or interruptions. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches deliver a light touch and vibrant feedback, emphasizing a responsive and energetic tactile sensation. Users who favor a more dynamic typing experience will find that the Salt Ice switches offer an engaging feel that keeps momentum throughout the typing session.
In conclusion, both the Neo Lavender HE and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The Lavender HE presents a clean and low sound profile, paired with a smooth feel that prioritizes consistency, while the Salt Ice excels in producing bright, clacky sounds and a responsive tactile sensation that brings energy to the typing experience. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel, where each will deliver its respective qualities based on individual typing styles and environmental contexts.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a clean and low sound, along with a light touch that requires a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, the Neo Lavender HE is a solid choice, especially if you're using a Wooting keyboard. Its magnetic nature enhances the typing experience with a smooth feel, making it suitable for typing in quieter environments or for those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you crave a vibrant, clacky sound and an energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switch is likely to satisfy your needs. Its effortless actuation and lively feedback are ideal for gamers or those who enjoy a more stimulating typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prefer a quieter, refined experience with the Lavender HE or a more dynamic and responsive feel with the Salt Ice.
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