Cherry MX Red vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Red is praised for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with a combination of responsiveness and satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches stand out with their exceptionally bright and clacky attributes, along with a light touch that offers vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While both switches offer distinct qualities, such as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured' for MX Red and a more energetic and responsive typing experience for Salt Ice, it is important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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 Red and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both feature a top housing made of different materials, nylon and polycarbonate respectively. While the Nylon top housing of the MX Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice produces a sharper, crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer properties. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cherry MX Red and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches have different materials as well. The nylon bottom housing of the MX Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice produces a sharper and clearer sound. The differences in material properties between the two bottom housings result in distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences for typing experiences.
Overall, while the two switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they each offer unique sound profiles based on the characteristics of their respective materials. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer high-quality typing experiences with distinct sound profiles that cater to varying preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch shows that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. In terms of weight, both switches offer a light typing experience, which is ideal for those who prefer longer typing or gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. The lack of information on the bottom out force means that it is uncertain whether one switch would provide a heavier typing experience compared to the other. For users who prefer a stronger push feel, they may need to explore other switch options with known heavier forces. Ultimately, both the Cherry MX Red and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, but additional information on bottom out force would be needed to determine any differences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The MX Red falls within the realm of traditional travel distances, providing a comfortable and familiar typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which may appeal to those seeking faster response times, especially in gaming. The shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice may be more suitable for users looking for quick and precise keystrokes. However, individuals who prefer a deeper keystroke and more tactile feel may lean towards the MX Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch's sound profile remains unknown. Both switches, however, can produce different levels of sound depending on the keyboard, case, and keycaps used in conjunction with them.
Moving on to the feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its textured feel, which may provide a tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch's tactile feel remains undisclosed. While the MX Red switch offers a more textured experience, the Salt Ice switch's feel may vary depending on individual preferences and typing styles.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the MX Red switch boasts a deeper and textured feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch excels in brightness and clackiness with a light touch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches can provide a satisfying and responsive typing experience, albeit with different nuances in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a deeper sound profile and a more robust typing experience, the Cherry MX Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch and vibrant feedback, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch would be a standout option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing feel and sound you prefer.
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