Zuoce Lavender vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Zuoce Lavender and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Zuoce Lavender, a linear switch, is praised for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature right out of the box, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice, also a linear switch, stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics, combined with a light touch for a vibrant and responsive typing experience. While the Lavender is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Salt Ice's specific categorization is not provided. Both switches have their strengths, offering users distinct options based on their preferences. 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Lavender featuring a POM top and bottom housing, and the Salt Ice featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The use of POM in the Lavender creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while polycarbonate in the Salt Ice produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This means that the two switches will offer distinct auditory experiences to users, with the Lavender providing a more subdued sound and the Salt Ice delivering a more pronounced and clear sound.
Aesthetically, the polycarbonate material used in the Salt Ice's housing allows for translucency, making it a popular choice for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. In contrast, the POM material in the Lavender does not offer the same level of transparency, which may limit its visual appeal for users looking to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting effects. Despite these differences in appearance, both materials are known for creating unique and pleasing sound profiles, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials in keyboard switches.
Overall, the choice between the Zuoce Lavender and Jerrzi Salt Ice will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. While the POM housing in the Lavender may appeal to those seeking a deeper and more muted sound, the polycarbonate housing in the Salt Ice offers a sharper and clearer sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a favored option for users who want to enhance their keyboard setups with RGB lighting. Ultimately, both switches provide distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to select the housing material that best suits their individual needs and preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Lavender is slightly heavier than the Salt Ice. The Lavender has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force that is unknown. The Lavender provides a medium-light typing experience, offering a balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback, while the Salt Ice's force requirements remain a mystery. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches may cater to different preferences, with lighter switches like the Salt Ice being more suitable for extended periods of typing, while heavier switches like the Lavender may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch 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. Therefore, the results in terms of keypress feel and feedback will be quite similar between the two switches. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, there is no difference in the length of keypress between the Zuoce Lavender and the Jerrzi Salt Ice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 Zuoce Lavender linear switch is well-known for its clacky and sharp sound signature, providing a satisfying and crisp auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, creating a vibrant and energetic typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a distinct sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch is known for its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force to activate the key. This light actuation force contributes to a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Similarly, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a light touch and effortless actuation, providing users with a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Overall, both the Zuoce Lavender and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Lavender switch provides a clacky and smooth typing experience with easy-to-press actuation, the Salt Ice switch delivers bright and energetic feedback with a light touch. Whether you prefer a sharp and crisp sound or a vibrant and responsive typing feel, both switches offer excellent qualities that will enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you're looking for. If you prioritize smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound, the Lavender switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an energetic and responsive typing experience with bright and clacky characteristics, the Salt Ice switch, with its bright feedback and light touch, might be more up your alley, even though the exact bottom out force is not available. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style, so take into account the characteristics of each switch before making your final choice.
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