Outemu Red vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique features and advantages. The Outemu Red is a linear switch, known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is also a linear switch, but stands out with its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch for effortless typing. The Salt Ice switches are ideal for users looking for a lively and responsive typing experience. While the Red switch may appeal to those seeking a more traditional linear switch feel. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.10 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
The Outemu Red and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. While the top housings are similar, the bottom housings differ, with the Red featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Salt Ice featuring a polycarbonate bottom housing.
The nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Red switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a more clear and resonant sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials highlights how different plastic compositions can affect the overall sound profile of a switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the Outemu Red and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and different bottom housings results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both offer a smooth linear typing experience. In terms of weight, the Outemu Red switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Red switch is 62 grams, while the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch may be the better option due to its slightly lower actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the Outemu Red switch provides a clearer indication of the force required for bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance compared to the Red. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the slight difference of 0.6 mm can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers may prefer the Salt Ice for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while others who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Red 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 Red linear switch is known for being relatively quiet compared to other switches, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is described as exceptionally bright and clacky, providing users with a lively typing sound that adds to the overall typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In regard to feel, Outemu Red switches are known for their smooth linear action, offering a consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible click. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are praised for their light touch and effortless actuation, making typing on them feel lively and responsive. Users who prefer a lighter and more energetic typing experience may gravitate towards the Salt Ice switches, while those who prioritize a smooth and consistent feel may opt for the Outemu Reds.
Overall, choosing between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smooth keystroke, the Outemu Red may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a vibrant and clacky typing sound with a light touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer different qualities that cater to unique preferences, so experimenting with both to see which one suits your typing style best is recommended.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth typing experience, the Red switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a light touch, vibrant feedback, and a clacky sound profile, then the Salt Ice switch would be a more suitable option. Consider your typing preferences, noise tolerance, and overall typing experience when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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