KTT Miaowu vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the KTT Miaowu and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Miaowu and Jerrzi Salt Ice are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics. The Miaowu switch is sought after for its enhanced stem stability and smoother keystroke action, thanks to the utilization of POK in its stem. It is known for its 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky' feel, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with a light touch for effortless actuation. This makes it a great option for users who prefer a vibrant feedback and responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
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
POK
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Miaowu and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is particularly useful in switches with clear housing for RGB lighting purposes. However, the Miaowu also includes a nylon bottom housing, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with the top housing to maintain a consistent sound profile throughout.
While both switches share polycarbonate as the top housing material, their different choices for bottom housing impact the overall typing experience. The Miaowu's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon keystrokes, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. This contrast highlights how the bottom housing material can significantly influence the sound and feel of typing on a switch. Furthermore, the Miaowu's combination of nylon and polycarbonate creates a balance between a clear top-out sound and a deeper bottom-out sound, offering a more dynamic typing experience compared to the Salt Ice's consistent polycarbonate housing.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Miaowu and Jerrzi Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Miaowu's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper sound compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a full-bodied sound with the Miaowu or a consistently crisp sound with the Salt Ice, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typist feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that the Miaowu is the lighter option with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Miaowu would be the ideal choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a bit more resistance, the Salt Ice may be more suitable. Both switches offer different levels of force which cater to different preferences, but without the exact bottom out force for the Salt Ice, it is difficult to fully compare the two in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Miaowu 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. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quick response times. However, the Miaowu offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Salt Ice. Gamers who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Miaowu to be more to their liking, while those seeking the absolute shortest travel distance may lean towards the Salt Ice. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results from both in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Miaowu has an MSRP of $4.32 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Miaowu for $3.71.
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 Miaowu linear switch is known for its clacky characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is praised for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, creating a lively and energetic typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Miaowu providing a more traditional clacky sound, while the Salt Ice offers a particularly bright and vibrant sound.
In terms of feel, the Miaowu linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is not available. However, based on the bright and clacky sound profile of the Salt Ice switch, it can be inferred that it may also offer a responsive and tactile typing experience similar to the Miaowu in terms of feel.
Overall, both the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Miaowu offers a clacky sound with a bouncy feel, providing a smooth keystroke action and enhanced stem stability thanks to its POK stem. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, complemented by its light touch for a responsive typing experience. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different boards and with various keycaps can help you determine which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Miaowu linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams and prioritize smooth keystrokes with enhanced stem stability, the Miaowu switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with vibrant feedback, a clacky sound profile, and a light touch, the Salt Ice switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value stem stability and smooth keystrokes or vibrant feedback and a clacky sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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