Akko V3 Piano Pro vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Piano Pro 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The V3 Piano Pro's Piano Pro switches are renowned for their snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches in the Jerrzi keyboard are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for effortless typing. Each switch has its own set of qualities that appeal to different users, whether you prefer a bouncy and polished feel or a vibrant and responsive feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that they differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The V3 Piano Pro utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. On the contrary, the Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The aesthetic differences are also noteworthy, with the translucent nature of polycarbonate being ideal for RGB lighting in the Salt Ice switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Jerrzi Salt Ice aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique sound profiles. While the V3 Piano Pro offers a rounder and duller sound with its nylon housing, the Salt Ice provides a clearer and resonant sound with its polycarbonate housing. The split qualities of each housing material between the top and bottom housing of a switch result in varying impacts on the sound and feel when typing. This distinction allows users to tailor their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the Akko V3 Piano Pro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice housing materials depends on the user's preference for sound profile and tactile feedback. The softer nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro creates a different typing experience compared to the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Salt Ice. Whether one prefers a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. Overall, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help users make an informed decision when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Weight
Comparing the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a bit of resistance when fully pressing down the key. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Salt Ice switch is unknown, making it unclear how much force is needed to fully press the key. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the V3 Piano Pro for its slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience, while others may lean towards the Salt Ice switch for the unknown bottom out force, which could potentially offer a lighter overall feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the V3 Piano Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is renowned for its snappy and resonant qualities, providing a crisp and higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky sound, offering a vibrant and energetic typing experience that is complemented by a light touch. While both switches excel in providing distinctive sound profiles, users can expect a sharp and lively sound from the V3 Piano Pro and a clacky and bright sound from the Salt Ice, depending on personal preference and setup.
Moving on to feel, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch delivers a bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky typing experience, characterized by a spring-like feedback, smooth and buttery sensation, refined finish, and exceptionally smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's feel characteristics are not specified. Users seeking a tactile and responsive typing experience may find the V3 Piano Pro more appealing due to its range of tactile qualities that enhance each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Akko V3 Piano Pro and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the V3 Piano Pro is known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, as well as its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky feel characteristics, the Salt Ice stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom out force with snappy and smooth actuation, along with a distinctive clacky and resonant sound profile, then the V3 Piano Pro would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bright and clacky characteristic, complemented by a light touch and vibrant feedback, then the Salt Ice switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, so make sure to consider what sounds and feels best to you before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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