Outemu Milk Blue vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Two popular switches that are often compared are the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch. The Milk Blue switch is best known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among users who enjoy the satisfying sensation of typing on a mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch that allows for effortless actuation. While the Milk Blue provides a traditional clicky typing experience, the Salt Ice offers a more vibrant feedback and responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, we find that both switches have a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both the Milk Blue and Salt Ice switches offer unique sound profiles due to their combination of polycarbonate top housing. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue creates a duller and rounder sound upon keystrokes, in contrast to the sharper and clearer sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice. When pressing down on the switches, users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the material of the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key.
In essence, although the Outemu Milk Blue and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches have some differences in their housing materials, they ultimately offer similar qualities through their shared polycarbonate top housing. Both switches provide a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile, perfect for users looking for a distinct typing experience. The choice between the switches may come down to personal preference for the bottom housing's impact on sound, with the Milk Blue offering a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing, while the Salt Ice provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Blue requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams. This means that the Milk Blue will have a slightly heavier feel when initiating keystrokes. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one would provide a firmer typing experience when fully pressed down. In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Salt Ice due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Milk Blue for its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and desired actuation force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance for switches. In comparison, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so the Salt Ice may be a better option for those seeking quick key presses. On the other hand, the Milk Blue may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper press when typing. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel and 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 Milk Blue 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 Milk Blue clicky switch is best known for its smooth actuation and satisfying click sound, providing a tactile feedback that is both audible and tactile. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch that results in a smooth typing experience without the audible feedback of a clicky switch. When it comes to sound, the Milk Blue switch produces a distinct click sound, while the Salt Ice switch is quieter due to its linear nature. In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch provides a tactile bump upon actuation, giving users a sense of when the key has been pressed, while the Salt Ice switch lacks this tactile bump, offering a smoother keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Milk Blue switch being favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, and the Salt Ice switch appealing to users seeking a quieter and smoother typing experience. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, and selecting the right one will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a tactile and clicky typing experience with a light touch, the Outemu Milk Blue switches would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing experience with a unique bright and clacky feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between Outemu Milk Blue and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Make sure to consider factors such as sound, feel, actuation force, and overall typing style before making your final decision.
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