KTT Lightning vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Lightning and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both linear switches. The KTT Lightning is renowned for its speed and competitive edge, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking to gain an advantage with precise keystrokes. With a slick typing feel and distinctive clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch is favored for its responsiveness and accuracy. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch and vibrant feedback that excels in providing an energetic and responsive typing experience. While both switches have their unique qualities, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific requirements. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Lightning and Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Lightning features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon housings.
While both the Lightning and Salt Ice feature polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Nylon bottom housing of the Lightning produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the crisper sound of the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the overall sound and feel when typing. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the KTT Lightning and Jerrzi Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches' top housings creates a sharp and clear sound, but the difference in bottom housing material results in a variance in sound depth. Whether you prefer the deeper sound produced by the Lightning's nylon bottom housing or the crisper sound of the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch differ slightly. The Lightning switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smooth and easy typing experience. In comparison, the Salt Ice switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. When considering weight, the Lightning switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter keystroke for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Salt Ice switch may appeal to users who prefer a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Lightning linear switch is 3 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Salt Ice switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning switch. The difference may not be significant, but it can impact the typing experience for some users. Gamers who prioritize quicker response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning switch, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Salt Ice switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a different feel, but users can expect similar results in terms of durability and overall performance.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 comparing the sound of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we see that the Lightning switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile with a slight chirpy aspect. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is not described in terms of sound qualities, so it's hard to make a direct comparison. However, considering the bright and clacky characteristics of the Salt Ice switch, it may offer a similar snappy sound profile to the Lightning switch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lightning switch is noted for its subtle resistance which provides a light typing feel, as well as a polished finish for smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the feel of the Salt Ice switch is not specified. Without this information, it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience. However, based on the vibrant feedback and light touch of the Salt Ice switch, it can be assumed that it may offer a similar smooth typing experience as the Lightning switch.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we can see that both switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Lightning switch is known for its clacky sound profile and subtle resistance, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its bright and energetic feedback. If you prefer a switch with a sharp and snappy sound and a light typing feel, the Lightning switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a vibrant and clacky typing experience, the Salt Ice switch could be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value speed and responsiveness, the Lightning switch with its light bottom out force and clacky sound profile may be the better choice for you, especially in fast-paced gaming scenarios where milliseconds matter. On the other hand, if you enjoy bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch for a vibrant and energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed and precision or prefer a more vibrant and lively typing experience. Happy typing!
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