Outemu Blue Jade vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is important to consider their unique characteristics and benefits. The Blue Jade is best known for its tactile feedback and audible click sound, providing users with a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that makes typing effortless and responsive. While the Blue Jade may appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile feel, the Salt Ice could be a great choice for users seeking a vibrant and energetic typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue Jade and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Blue Jade features a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, creating a deeper and fuller sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer unique characteristics, the nylon top housing of the Blue Jade emphasizes a rounder sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice enhances clarity and resonance, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, both switches also have different materials for their bottom housings. The Blue Jade's nylon bottom housing mirrors its top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. In comparison, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance. This difference in bottom housing materials results in variations in the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch, showcasing the impact that housing material can have on the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can significantly impact the sound profile and typing feel. While the Blue Jade and Salt Ice switches offer contrasting qualities with their nylon and polycarbonate housings, respectively, both materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound output. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, understanding the characteristics of each housing material can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Blue Jade requires slightly more force to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Jade also has a higher force of 65 grams, whereas the Salt Ice has an unknown bottom out force. This indicates that the Blue Jade switch is heavier both in actuation and bottom out forces. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice switch may be more suitable, while the Blue Jade switch would be a better choice for those who prefer a heavier and more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, as well as the specific use case for the keyboard.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Blue Jade has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Salt Ice has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Blue Jade has a longer travel distance, making it suitable for those who prefer a more traditional depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance, which can provide a faster response time, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its crisp and audible click with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for typists. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is recognized for its quieter operation, lacking the prominent click of a clicky switch but still offering a smooth and consistent typing experience. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is characterized by its tactile bump and audible click, giving typists a tactile response with each keystroke and a sense of confirmation when the key is actuated. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, with a linear and consistent feel throughout the keypress. Typists who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Blue Jade switch, while those who seek a seamless typing experience may enjoy the Salt Ice switch.
Considering all available information, it is clear that the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Blue Jade switch is ideal for users who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience, while the Salt Ice switch caters to those who prefer a quieter and more linear feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback. Typists can expect different but equally satisfactory results depending on their selection, providing a personalized typing experience based on their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a newcomer looking for a switch that provides a satisfying clicky feedback and medium-heavy actuation force, the Outemu Blue Jade would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a light touch and vibrant feedback, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound, as well as the level of actuation force that suits your typing style best. Happy typing!
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