TTC Neptune vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Neptune and Jerrzi Salt Ice are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Neptune is praised for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and almost frictionless glide while still offering a springy resistance akin to chewy delicacies like mochi or tapioca pearls. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a matte feel with every keystroke, along with a muted sound signature for a refined ambiance. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches stand out for their bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with a light touch for energetic and responsive typing. While the Neptune is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', and 'Muted', the Salt Ice's specific categories remain unspecified. 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
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their bottom housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound when the switch is actuated. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing effect. While both switches share this common feature in their bottom housing material, they may offer slightly different sound profiles depending on other factors such as the stem or spring used.
On the other hand, the top housings of the two switches differ in material, with the Neptune featuring a POM top housing and the Salt Ice utilizing a polycarbonate top housing. The POM top housing of the Neptune creates a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to the crisper sound profile produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice when a key is released. The material of the top housing can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of a switch, making it an important factor to consider for enthusiasts looking for a specific auditory experience while typing or gaming.
Despite the differences in their top housing material, both the TTC Neptune and the Jerrzi Salt Ice are designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience with distinct sound profiles. While the Neptune's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. However, the use of polycarbonate in both switches' bottom housings ensures a consistent sharp and clear sound profile when a key is actuated, making them suitable choices for users who appreciate a tactile and audible typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neptune requires 50 grams to fully press down, whereas the Salt Ice force is unknown. The Neptune switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Salt Ice switch may appeal to individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Neptune offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper actuation feeling. Conversely, the Salt Ice switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to users looking for a quicker, more immediate response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch is best characterized by its low-pitched and muted qualities, providing a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience for the user. In contrast, the sound profile of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is unknown, leaving a bit of mystery surrounding its acoustic properties. However, based on the information provided, one can expect a brighter and clackier sound from the Salt Ice switch, offering a more energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the sound preference between these two switches will come down to personal taste and the overall setup of the keyboard system.
Moving on to the feel aspect, the TTC Neptune linear switch is praised for its buttery and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and almost effortless keystroke sensation. This unique blend of qualities provides a textured pleasure with each key press, making typing a tactile delight. On the other hand, the specific feel descriptors for the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch are unknown, leaving its tactile characteristics a bit of a mystery. However, based on its bright and clacky sound profile, one can infer that the Salt Ice switch may offer a lively and responsive feel to the user. Whether one prefers the smooth and polished feel of the Neptune or the potentially vibrant feel of the Salt Ice will depend on personal preferences and typing style.
In conclusion, the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch each offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Neptune excels in providing a low-pitched, muted sound and a buttery, frictionless feel, while the Salt Ice may offer a brighter, clackier sound and a potentially lively typing experience. While both switches bring their unique characteristics to the table, choosing between them ultimately boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience for the user. It's important to consider factors such as sound, feel, and overall typing performance when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a smooth, almost frictionless glide with a unique "matte" feel and a muted sound signature, then the TTC Neptune would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch would be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a softer, refined typing experience or a more energetic and responsive one. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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