Cherry MX Brown vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Brown is praised for its subtle tactility and quiet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a gentle touch and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky feedback, providing users with a lively and responsive typing experience. While the MX Brown offers a textured and low-pitched typing experience, the Salt Ice switches are characterized by their energetic 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
45g
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The MX Brown features a nylon top and bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbent nature. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer composition. While the two switches differ in sound characteristics due to their housing materials, the use of clear polycarbonate in the Salt Ice allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a unique aesthetic element not found in the MX Brown.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out a key, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Similarly, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown results in a duller and rounder sound when releasing a key, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice creates a clearer and higher-pitched sound. These distinct qualities highlight how the choice of housing material can impact the typing experience and sound feedback of mechanical switches.
Overall, the differences in housing material between the Cherry MX Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice highlight the various sound profiles that can be achieved through the use of nylon and polycarbonate. While the MX Brown offers a softer and deeper sound profile with its nylon housing, the Salt Ice provides a crisper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate housing. The unique characteristics of each housing material cater to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences. With careful consideration of factors such as sound, feel, and aesthetics, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can choose the switch that best suits their individual preferences and needs.
Weight
Both the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the MX Brown has a heavier weight with 55 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Salt Ice. The MX Brown provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher bottom out force, while the lighter weight of the Salt Ice may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the MX Brown offering a heavier feel and the Salt Ice providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The MX Brown's 4 mm provides a bit more depth when typing or gaming, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying key press feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm travel distance offers a slightly shorter keystroke, allowing for quicker and more responsive key presses, which can be advantageous for gaming, especially in fast-paced situations. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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 it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a bassy and low-pitched profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches do not have a specific description provided, but they are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, which may suggest a crisper and more pronounced sound compared to the more subtle MX Browns. Ultimately, your choice of keycaps and keyboard construction will also play a role in the overall sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are often described as having a textured feel, potentially offering some friction when pressed. This texture can be subjective, with some users enjoying the tactile feedback it provides, while others may prefer a smoother typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no specific description provided for the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, but given their light touch and reputation for being responsive, they may offer a smoother and more fluid typing experience compared to the slightly textured feel of the MX Browns.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtle tactility and gentle typing experience, with a bassy sound profile and potentially textured feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky characteristics, offering a more energetic and responsive typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, with the choice ultimately coming down to personal preference. If you enjoy a lighter touch and vibrant feedback, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches may be a great fit for you, while the Cherry MX Browns offer a more understated and nuanced typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a subtle and tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Cherry MX Browns might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with an unknown bottom out force, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Make sure to try out both switches if possible to determine which one feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing style.
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