Outemu Silent White vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Silent White is a linear switch known for its smooth and silent typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is also a linear switch but stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics, providing a more vibrant and energetic typing experience. While the Silent White may be preferred for its quiet operation, the Salt Ice appeals to users looking for a more tactile and responsive 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is clear that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiff nature that enhances resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting setups. However, the Silent White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, the contrasting bottom housing materials of nylon and polycarbonate provide distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Silent White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch. Conversely, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, affecting the sound when letting go of a key. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch allows for a unique balance of qualities that cater to different aspects of the typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Silent White and the Jerrzi Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The Silent White's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a blend of sharpness and depth in sound, offering a well-rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's consistent use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housing results in a uniform, sharp sound profile throughout typing. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches excel in delivering satisfying typing experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience for both switches. However, the Silent White requires a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Salt Ice, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while both switches have the same actuation force, the Silent White provides a bit more resistance when fully pressed. This difference in bottom out force may appeal to different preferences, with the Silent White offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier touch, while the Salt Ice may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired level of force required for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that there is a minimal difference between the two. The Silent White has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Salt Ice has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. The slight variation in travel distance may not be noticeable to most users, and both switches would offer similar results in terms of key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the slight difference in travel distance.
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 White 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, Outemu Silent White switches are known for their quiet operation, making them a great choice for those looking for a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, Jerrzi Salt Ice switches have a distinctively loud and clicky sound, adding a satisfying auditory element to every keystroke. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by the keyboard they are installed in and the keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, Outemu Silent White switches offer a smooth and consistent linear typing experience, with a relatively light actuation force. On the other hand, Jerrzi Salt Ice switches provide a tactile and responsive feel, making them ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Both switches offer a unique feel that will cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the Outemu Silent White and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Silent White switches are favored for their quiet operation and smooth linear feel, the Salt Ice switches are praised for their loud clicky sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience the user is seeking. Regardless of which switch is chosen, both the Outemu Silent White and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are sure to provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Silent White may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and a bright, clacky sound profile that offers an energetic and responsive typing experience, the Salt Ice switch would be the ideal choice for you. Consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
