KTT Mallo vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Mallo and Jerrzi Salt Ice are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences. The Mallo is renowned for its subtle tactility and balanced typing feel, making it a versatile option for typists looking for a gentle feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Salt Ice stands out with its bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant and energetic typing experience. While the Mallo excels in providing a neutral sound signature and a subdued typing experience, the Salt Ice offers a more pronounced and responsive feel. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. However, the Mallo features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate in the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper sound and a softer typing feel, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile. When typing on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more prominent during key presses, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the combination of housing materials can result in varying typing experiences.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing feel. While both the KTT Mallo and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart. The Mallo's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the combination of these materials in the top and bottom housing impacts the overall typing experience, providing users with unique characteristics to consider when selecting a switch for their mechanical keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's clear that they have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a medium-light feel, while the actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the Mallo, but its bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Salt Ice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel might prefer the Mallo. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of these switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch is 4mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that the Mallo switch offers slightly more key travel than the Salt Ice switch. While both switches fall within the traditional range of key travel distances, the Mallo switch may provide a slightly more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to individuals seeking a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for key travel depth and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound experience, making it a versatile choice suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch's sound profile is not specified, so it is best to try them out in person or look for more user reviews for a better understanding of their auditory characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Mallo switch provides a feathery and mild typing experience, reducing finger fatigue and offering a comfortable feel for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch is described as subtle, providing a gentle resistance and a sound signature suitable for shared spaces. As for the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch, the feel is not specified, so it is recommended to test them out firsthand to determine their tactile qualities.
Overall, the KTT Mallo and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo switch provides a balanced and subtle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering an energetic and responsive typing experience. Overall, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between the two options.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you value a balanced and subtle tactile feedback with a medium-light typing feel, then the Mallo would be a great choice for you. Its neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, if you seek a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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