Durock Mamba vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Salt Ice are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Mamba, inspired by Kobe Bryant, provides a smooth and gliding sensation while typing, accompanied by a rich and creamy sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Mamba is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished', the Salt Ice's characteristics have yet to be categorized. If you're looking for a linear switch with a softer touch and polished feel, the Durock Mamba may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a more energetic and responsive typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice could be the better choice. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Mamba features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that offers a pleasant and bright sound profile, while the Salt Ice employs a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Therefore, while both switches differ in their housing materials, they each provide unique sound profiles based on the specific properties of their top and bottom housings.
While the Mamba and Salt Ice switches both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, they vary in their bottom housing materials, with the Mamba featuring a POM bottom housing and the Salt Ice utilizing a polycarbonate bottom housing. This contrast in materials leads to differences in sound profiles, with the Mamba offering a deeper and more muted sound from its POM bottom housing, while the Salt Ice provides a sharper and crisper sound from its polycarbonate bottom housing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Salt Ice switch allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard setup with lighting effects.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While both switches incorporate unique housing materials that contribute to their individual characteristics, such as the Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE and the Salt Ice's polycarbonate construction, they both offer quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a brighter sound with the Mamba or a crisper sound with the Salt Ice, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and are sure to satisfy keyboard enthusiasts looking for a high-quality switch option.
Weight
The Durock Mamba and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium amount of resistance when pressing down fully. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Salt Ice is 45 grams, requiring less force to trigger a keystroke. This difference means that the Salt Ice may feel lighter to type on compared to the Mamba. While the actuation force of the Mamba is not specified, the lighter actuation force of the Salt Ice may make it a preferred choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Mamba's higher bottom out force may be the better option. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Salt Ice has the advantage of being the shorter option, which may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying tactile feel to some users who prefer a more substantial press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, but the slight difference in distance may be a deciding factor for some individuals based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Ultimately, while the two switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, the subtle variation may influence which one is chosen by different users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, providing a versatile option suitable for a range of typing needs. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch lacks specific sound descriptors, but its bright and clacky characteristics suggest a more vibrant and energetic auditory experience. Both switches can be affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, but overall, the Mamba may provide a deeper and more satisfying sound with its thocky characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild typing experience with a gentle touch that appeals to a wide range of users. The polished finish of the switch contributes to a smooth and refined feel, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have specific feel descriptors provided, but the light touch and exceptional feedback indicate a responsive and effortless typing feel. Both switches may provide a comfortable typing experience, but the Mamba's polished nature suggests a more refined and smooth feel overall.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba provides a neutral sound profile with a satisfying thocky sound, along with a mild and polished typing feel. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch is characterized by bright and clacky auditory feedback and a light touch for an energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but both options promise a high-quality typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force that provides a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Durock Mamba would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a light touch and vibrant feedback that offers a bright and clacky typing experience, then the Jerrzi Salt Ice would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and actuation feel. Considering these factors will help you determine which switch aligns best with your needs and typing style.
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