Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and Jerrzi Salt Ice stand out as two distinct options to consider. The NovelKeys Blueberry is renowned for its sharp tactile bump, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced typing feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice offers a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch, perfect for users seeking energetic feedback. While the Blueberry switch is described as 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Textured', the Salt Ice switch lacks specific categorizations. These general pointers can help guide your decision, but to truly determine the best switch for your needs, delve deeper into the unique characteristics of each.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the type of plastic used. The POM top housing of the Blueberry creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The differences in the sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Blueberry offering a more subdued typing sound compared to the crisper sound of the Salt Ice.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Blueberry and Salt Ice also contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Blueberry provides a deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice delivers a sharper and more resonant sound. These differences in sound characteristics can influence the tactile feedback and typing feel of each switch, appealing to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
When considering the impact of housing materials on typing experience, it is important to note that both the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound profile of a switch. The qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom-out sound and feel influenced by the bottom housing, and the sound upon key release impacted by the top housing. While the Blueberry and Salt Ice may offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and sound based on the differences between POM and polycarbonate plastics.
Weight
In terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is heavier than the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch. The NovelKeys Blueberry has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is not specified. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Salt Ice, while those seeking a more robust typing feel may opt for the NovelKeys Blueberry. The actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience and comfort level for the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is 4.0mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. In this case, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, a 3.4mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it more suitable for gamers and those looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and actuation forces, but ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, with a deep yet clean sound profile that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided, so it is difficult to compare directly. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, offering a variety of tactile sensations to users. These switches provide a responsive and lively typing experience, with distinct feedback and varying levels of actuation force. However, there are no specific feel descriptors provided for the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, making it challenging to directly compare the feel of the two switches.
In conclusion, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump, low-pitched sound, and a variety of tactile feel options, catering to users who enjoy a dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch shines with its bright and clacky characteristics, complemented by a light touch. While specific details on sound and feel may be lacking for the Salt Ice switch, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, trying out both switches on different keyboards and keycap setups would provide the most accurate comparison in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a lower-than-average sound frequency, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you want to achieve.
Mentioned in this article
