Kailh Plum vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch. The Plum offers a unique experience with its hefty feel and subtle tactile bump, setting it apart from other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Salt Ice stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics, combined with a light touch for an energetic typing experience. While the Plum provides a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, the Salt Ice delivers vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Plum and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, the top housing material is the same for both switches, as they both utilize polycarbonate. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the bottom housing material differs between the two switches, with the Plum featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Salt Ice utilizing a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, the Kailh Plum and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique sound profiles due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials. The Plum's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing material will be more noticeable, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound profile when releasing a key, making each switch's sound and feel distinct.
Overall, while both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the different bottom housing materials of the Kailh Plum and Jerrzi Salt Ice offer unique typing experiences. The Plum's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allows for a balanced combination of qualities that affect both the sound and feel of typing on each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Plum has no actuation force listed, but a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The Plum is heavier when it comes to bottoming out, while the Salt Ice requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. Those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Salt Ice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, the Plum may be the better choice despite the heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Plum offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Salt Ice. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the press, the Plum may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quicker and more responsive feel, the Salt Ice could be the way to go. Ultimately, both switches provide a relatively similar travel distance and can deliver comparable results depending on your personal preference.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Plum switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a pleasant typing experience suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound characteristics, giving users an energetic and responsive typing feedback. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard, keycaps, and overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Plum switch is described as having a mild and stepped tactile experience. This means that the typing sensation is gentle and approachable, with a moderate tactile bump that is not overly pronounced. In contrast, the feel of the Salt Ice switch is not specified in the provided information.
Overall, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Plum switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, stepped tactile experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users looking for a balanced typing sensation. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile with a light touch, ideal for users seeking a more energetic and responsive typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when selecting the one that best suits your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Plum tactile switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's important to take into account your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a unique tactile feel and a neutral sound profile, the Kailh Plum could be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light and clacky switch with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice may be more suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so consider what features are most important to you before making your decision.
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