Bsun Olive vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Bsun Olive, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch. The Olive is revered for its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, offering a satisfying typing experience with its unique design and long pole stem. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with a light touch and effortless actuation, making it ideal for users looking for an energetic and responsive typing feel. Each switch offers a distinct typing experience, with the Olive being accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, while the Salt Ice doesn't fall under a specific category. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both have distinct housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Olive features POM top and bottom housings, creating a deeper, more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the softer POM material used in the Olive.
While the top and bottom housings of the Olive and Salt Ice switches serve similar purposes in housing the internal components, they differ significantly in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The POM material used in the Olive creates a more muted and deeper sound, while the polycarbonate material in the Salt Ice produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Salt Ice allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Olive and the Jerrzi Salt Ice will come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The POM housing of the Olive provides a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, while the polycarbonate housing of the Salt Ice offers a sharper and clearer sound profile. Both switches showcase the impact housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, with the top and bottom housings playing distinct roles in the sound and feel of the switches. Whether opting for the Olive's POM or the Salt Ice's polycarbonate, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Olive is heavier with 65 grams compared to the Salt Ice, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that typing on the Olive switch will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The lighter actuation force of both switches allows for comfortable typing for longer periods of time, making them suitable for work or gaming sessions. Overall, the Olive is the heavier option between the two, providing a more tactile typing experience, while the Salt Ice offers a lighter feel with an unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile 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 pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that the typing experience with both switches will be consistent and familiar. Whether it is the Olive or the Salt Ice, users can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for its deep and resonant sound, setting it apart from others in its category. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, creating a unique typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can be further enhanced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Olive switch is described as having an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing sensation without being too overwhelming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its light touch and vibrant feedback, offering a smooth and responsive typing experience. Both switches deliver unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a pronounced tactile bump or a smoother actuation.
Overall, the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer users distinct sound profiles and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Bsun Olive provides a deep, resonant sound and sharp tactile feedback, the Jerrzi Salt Ice offers a bright, clacky sound and smooth actuation. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches promise to deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards will find a switch that suits their needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Olive tactile switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's important to identify your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and value a tactile switch with a pronounced tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound, then the Bsun Olive switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch with bright, clacky characteristics and vibrant feedback for an energetic and responsive typing experience, then the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch would suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
Mentioned in this article
