Outemu Silent Grey vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Silent Grey is praised for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, making it ideal for those looking for a satisfying yet silent keyboard switch. On the other hand, the Salt Ice stands out with its bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for an energetic and responsive typing experience. While both switches have their strengths, the Silent Grey is best for tactile feedback enthusiasts, while the Salt Ice is perfect for those who prefer a more vibrant 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
1.60 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
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This ensures a clear and resonant sound profile, especially conducive to RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Silent Grey has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing that contributes to the overall sharp and crisp sound profile of the switch.
In terms of sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey provides a duller and rounder sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice complements the sharp and crisp sound created by the top housing, contributing to a consistent overall sound experience when typing on the switch. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how the sound profile of a switch can be influenced by the combination of different housing materials.
While the top housing plays a significant role in the sound profile when releasing a key, the bottom housing has a more prominent impact on the feeling and sound when pressing down on a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in creating a cohesive typing experience, with each material contributing its unique characteristics to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Overall, both the Outemu Silent Grey and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer a balance of sharpness and depth in their sound profiles, showcasing the versatility and impact of different housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which requires 45 grams of force to actuate. When it comes to bottom out force, the Silent Grey requires 65 grams while the Salt Ice force is unknown. The Silent Grey is considered medium-heavy in terms of actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Salt Ice may be lighter in comparison, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to users with varying preferences in force requirements for their keyboards.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Silent Grey has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The Silent Grey's 4.0mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, while the Salt Ice's 3.4mm distance provides a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prefer a longer, more substantial key press or a shorter, quicker one. Both switches offer their advantages, so either option will provide a satisfying typing experience depending on individual preferences.
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 Silent Grey 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
Overall, the Outemu Silent Grey switch offers a satisfyingly tactile typing experience with a quiet operation, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch provides a bright and energetic typing feel with a light touch. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the Silent Grey for a silent and tactile experience or the Salt Ice for a clacky and responsive typing sensation. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and it's recommended to try out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your typing style best. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant keyboarding experience no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the level of noise and tactile feedback you desire. If you prefer a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bright and clacky feel with a light touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for noise level and tactile feedback when typing.
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