Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Jerrzi Salt Ice are two popular options to consider. The MX Speed Silver stands out for its rapid response time and linear action, perfect for gamers who need quick trigger responses to gain a competitive edge. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches offer a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch, making them ideal for users who value energetic feedback while typing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the MX Speed Silver using nylon for both and the Salt Ice using polycarbonate. One key difference between the two is the sound profile produced by the housing materials. The nylon top and bottom housing of the MX Speed Silver creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Salt Ice produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, especially when using RGB lighting with the clear housing.
While both switches have contrasting sound profiles due to their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of their aesthetic appeal and impact on typing experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate material used in the top housing of the Jerrzi Salt Ice allows for a visually appealing look, especially when paired with RGB lighting. Similarly, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon housing, while not transparent, still provides a classic switch housing material that contributes to a specific typing experience with its deeper sound profile. In terms of typing feel, the softer nylon bottom housing of the MX Speed Silver may result in a slightly different tactile experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic design. While the nylon housing of the MX Speed Silver offers a deeper sound profile, the polycarbonate housing of the Salt Ice provides a crisper and clearer sound. Whether you prioritize a fuller sound or a sharper sound for your typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the clear polycarbonate housing in the Salt Ice switch may be a deciding factor for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 30 grams, while the Salt Ice is heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for both switches is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Speed Silver would be the ideal choice, as the lower actuation force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation force of the Salt Ice more suitable. Overall, the actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the feel and responsiveness of typing, with lighter switches being preferred for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a short and quick travel distance, making them ideal for fast and efficient typing or gaming experiences. The similarities in travel distance between the MX Speed Silver and Salt Ice switches suggest that users can expect comparable performance in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deep and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Both switches will provide a unique sound experience, with the MX Speed Silver delivering a more pronounced and tactile feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is noted for its textured feel, providing a frictional feedback when pressed. This texture can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their switches. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard. However, both switches offer a linear action, ensuring a smooth and seamless keystroke with minimal feedback.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Speed Silver excels in rapid response time and a thocky, low-pitched sound, along with a textured feel for tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch boasts bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, perfect for users seeking an energetic typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall performance in gaming or typing scenarios.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the type of experience you are looking for. If you are a gamer looking for lightning-fast response times and minimal resistance, the MX Speed Silver is the ideal choice due to its instantaneous trigger and low spring resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for speed and response or vibrant feedback and light touch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, so choose the one that best fits your typing or gaming style.
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