Outemu Brown vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that frequently come up for consideration are the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch. The Brown switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a slight bump in the keypress to let you know when the key has been actuated. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch and vibrant feedback for a more energetic typing experience. If you prefer a tactile response with each keystroke, the Outemu Brown might be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, if you enjoy a smooth, linear feel with a bit of extra clickiness, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch could be the perfect fit. 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
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
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
Both the Outemu Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice incorporate a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. In terms of sound, the top housing material plays a significant role in the key release sound.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Outemu Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the top housing material by enhancing the clarity and sharpness of the sound when combined.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches offer contrasting qualities, the effects of each material are apparent when using the switches. The bottom housing impacts the sound and feel when a key is pressed, influencing the bottom-out sound, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. By utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom, the switches offer a blend of characteristics that cater to a variety of preferences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Salt Ice switch will require less force to register a keystroke, providing a lighter typing experience. Additionally, the Brown switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice switch is unknown. This indicates that the Brown switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to fully press down. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and weight preference. If you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice switch may be the better option, while those who prefer a heavier typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Brown switch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch. The 4 mm travel distance of the Brown switch is more traditional, offering a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Salt Ice switch is shorter, making it favored by gamers and those looking for faster response times. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Brown 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
The Outemu Brown tactile switch is often praised for its subtle and smooth tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback without being too loud. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. When it comes to feel, the Brown switch offers a gentle resistance and a slight tactile bump, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more tactile typing feel. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch provides a smooth linear feel with a light touch, allowing for quick and effortless typing sessions.
Overall, if you enjoy a quieter and more subtle typing experience, the Outemu Brown tactile switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more audible and energetic typing experience with a smooth linear feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch would be a great option. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch for you, so it's essential to try out both options if possible to determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a 65-gram bottom out force and a balanced typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch and no bottom out force, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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