Haimu Orange Sea vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two linear options that often come up for consideration are the Haimu Orange Sea and the Jerrzi Salt Ice. The Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making them an excellent choice for users who prioritize quiet, fluid keystrokes in their typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer a unique appeal with their bright, clacky characteristics and light touch, ideal for those seeking an energetic and responsive feel during use. While both switches deliver a linear typing experience, the Orange Sea leans towards a more subdued and harmonious atmosphere, while the Salt Ice injects vibrancy and feedback into each keystroke. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Jerrzi Salt Ice exhibits a striking similarity in their top housing composition, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice is pivotal because polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer structure. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a clear and resonant auditory experience, especially when complemented by RGB lighting, which accentuates the translucency of the polycarbonate. In this regard, both switches not only share an aesthetic appeal but also enhance the overall listening experience with their sound clarity, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts who value visual and auditory performance in their keyboard setups.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials for the two switches diverge significantly, with the Orange Sea featuring a nylon bottom housing while the Salt Ice opts for a polycarbonate one. Nylon is recognized as a classic material that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that dampens noise. In this comparison, the nylon housing will give the Orange Sea a distinct auditory character, providing a more rounded tone. Conversely, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the properties of its top housing, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound. This difference in bottom housing characteristics means that, while both switches can create an impressive auditory profile when pressed, the tactile and auditory experience will feel markedly different.
Ultimately, the interplay of these materials demonstrates how the sound produced by each switch is influenced by the combination of the top and bottom housing materials. In the case of the Orange Sea, the stiffer polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom create a unique auditory experience that balances sharper sounds with deeper tones. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's dual polycarbonate construction offers a more unified auditory experience, emphasizing clarity and resonance throughout the keystroke. Therefore, the differences in bottom housing materials directly correspond to the switches' overall sound profiles, highlighting the importance of both components in determining the final auditory outcome when typing.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present distinct characteristics regarding actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea has a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, which can benefit users seeking comfort during long periods of use. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the Orange Sea's bottom out force is 45 grams, providing a defined tactile endpoint, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice remains unknown. This uncertainty means we cannot make direct comparisons regarding bottoming out. However, the Orange Sea is the lighter option overall, while the Salt Ice offers a heavier feel, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there's a noticeable difference: the Orange Sea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that some gamers might prefer for faster key actuation. Conversely, the Orange Sea's longer travel distance could be appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel when pressing the keys, allowing for a deeper engagement during typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the range of modern key switch preferences, but those seeking a quicker response will likely gravitate towards the Salt Ice, while those who enjoy a more traditional depth will appreciate the Orange Sea.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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
The Haimu Orange Sea switches present a neutral sound signature, contributing to a more subdued auditory experience that many may find calming and less distracting during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are characterized by their exceptionally bright and clacky sounds, which offer a more vibrant auditory feedback. This can create an engaging, lively atmosphere for users, especially those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are noted for their impeccably smooth type feel, allowing for a gliding and seamless transition with each keystroke. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and reduce fatigue for users who engage in extensive typing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches provide a light touch with vibrant feedback, making them responsive and energetic, ideal for users who prefer a more tactile sensation that can invigorate their typing experience. The differences in feel highlight varied preferences among typists, where some may prioritize smoothness while others may seek dynamism.
Overall, while both the Haimu Orange Sea and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, they each offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience in distinct ways. Whether users resonate more with the subtlety of the Orange Sea or the lively characteristics of the Salt Ice, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a smooth, neutral sound signature and a light bottom-out force of 45 grams for a more gentle typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea makes an excellent choice. It’s perfect for typists who appreciate a subtle touch and want to engage in thoughtful writing or long hours of coding without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you seek a vibrant, energetic typing experience characterized by bright and clacky sounds alongside a responsive feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice will likely impress you. These switches excel in delivering lively feedback and effortless actuation, making them ideal for fast-paced typing tasks or gaming where you want to feel each keypress vividly. Ultimately, evaluate how each switch aligns with your typing style and the aesthetics you enjoy, and you’ll find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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