Cherry MX Orange vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options that cater to their typing preferences and gaming styles. The Cherry MX Orange switch, known for its smooth performance and reengineered enhancements from the original design, provides a balanced experience that appeals to both typists and gamers alike. Its characteristics make it a reliable choice for those who appreciate a more traditional typing feel without the clicky sound of tactile switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch offers an energetic and responsive typing experience, characterized by its bright and clacky feedback that can invigorate the act of typing. This switch is perfect for users looking for a dynamic, lively sound and feel. While both are linear switches that prioritize smooth keystrokes, they cater to different preferences—one leans towards a classic experience, while the other embraces a more spirited feedback style. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
The Cherry MX Orange switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic quality. This uniform use of nylon in the Cherry MX Orange contributes to a cohesive auditory experience, reinforcing the muted yet rich sounds produced when typing. In this case, the impact of the material is consistent across both the top and bottom housings, promoting a warm and rounded sonic profile that is appealing to users who favor quieter typing sessions, as the sound produced minimizes external disturbances.
In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches employ polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which generates a markedly different auditory impact. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which translates to a more pronounced auditory response when typing. This material choice allows the Salt Ice switches to project a clear and resonant sound that can be particularly desirable in environments where auditory feedback is appreciated. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its suitability for RGB lighting applications, as the light passes through, creating striking visual effects.
When comparing the two, the differing impacts of the housing materials' stiffness and sound absorption properties become evident. While both switches utilize the same material for their respective top and bottom housings, the Cherry MX Orange delivers a cohesive and muted sound due to the cushioning effect of nylon, whereas the Jerrzi Salt Ice excites the typing experience with clear and resonant tones thanks to polycarbonate. This contrast in housing materials results in distinct user experiences; however, the consistent use of a single material within each switch leads to predictable acoustic outcomes—muted and full for nylon in the MX Orange and sharp and clear for polycarbonate in the Salt Ice.
Weight
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch features an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch comes in lighter at just 45 grams. This difference indicates that the Salt Ice switch may be more favorable for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the MX Orange's heavier actuation force provides a more substantial feel, catering to users who favor a stronger push for an engaging typing experience. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, but the noticeable difference in actuation force suggests that users will experience a distinct tactile sensation with the Cherry MX Orange compared to the more delicate response of the Jerrzi Salt Ice. Therefore, those who lean towards lighter keys should opt for the Salt Ice, while those seeking a heavier feel might prefer the MX Orange.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the MX Orange provides a more substantial depth, which some users may find favorable for a more tactile feel. In contrast, the Salt Ice's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers looking for faster response times, as it requires less distance to register a keypress. As such, those who prefer a more responsive experience might opt for the Salt Ice switch, whereas users who appreciate a deeper keypress may lean towards the MX Orange. Overall, the clear distinction in their travel distances highlights the different user preferences when it comes to typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Cherry MX Orange switch produces a more subdued and refined acoustic profile, emphasizing a smooth linear feedback without the pronounced clicking associated with other switch types. This characteristic makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, which is conducive to both office environments and late-night gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is celebrated for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, providing an energetic auditory response that is highly engaging. The lively acoustics of the Salt Ice enhance the overall typing experience, lending it a more playful vibe that many users find appealing.
When it comes to feel, the MX Orange switch delivers a linear experience marked by a smooth travel and consistent resistance throughout its actuation. This quality lends itself well to rapid typing and gaming without any tactile bumps to disrupt flow. Contrastingly, the Salt Ice switch offers a vibrant feedback that adds a layer of responsiveness, making each keystroke feel lively and effortless. This carefree and energetic feel attracts users who enjoy a more engaging typing dynamics, allowing them to enjoy each press distinctly while maintaining a linear action.
Overall, the Cherry MX Orange and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The MX Orange appeals to users seeking a quieter and smooth typing experience, perfect for professional settings or those who prefer a more understated aesthetic. In contrast, the Salt Ice excites with its lively sound and responsive feel, making it irresistible for users who thrive on energetic typing ambiances. Depending on your needs, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, though they do offer distinctly different auditory and tactile profiles that might suit varying preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you value a more classic typing experience with a premium feel reminiscent of traditional mechanical switches, the MX Orange is an excellent choice for you. Its revitalization of the original MX Orange design offers enhanced reliability and a solid performance that meets the expectations of seasoned typists. On the other hand, if you're in search of an energetic and lively typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch will likely suit your needs better. Its bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch, provide immediate feedback that can make typing feel effortless and even enjoyable, especially in gaming scenarios where responsiveness is key. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer the stability and familiar feel of the MX Orange or the playful and engaging dynamics of the Salt Ice, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard experience aligns perfectly with your individual needs and desires.
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