SP-Star Polaris Gray vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and the Jerrzi Salt Ice are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Polaris Gray is favored for its bouncy typing feel and clean, clacky sound profile, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice stands out with its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Polaris Gray is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Salt Ice's characteristics are not specified. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The SP-Star Polaris Gray and Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which means that they will provide a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housings also ensures a clear and resonant sound quality, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound performance in their keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing touch to the overall aesthetic of the keyboard.
While both keyboards share the same polycarbonate housing material, the difference in their design may affect the overall sound experience. The SP-Star Polaris Gray and Jerrzi Salt Ice may have variations in their housing shapes or thickness, resulting in a slightly different sound when typing on the keyboard. This difference could be subtle but noticeable to those who are particularly attuned to keyboard sound and feel. However, the overall sound profile and clarity will still remain consistent due to the use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings.
In terms of typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and Jerrzi Salt Ice will offer a similar level of quality due to their shared polycarbonate housing material. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent across both keyboards, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel, regardless of whether they choose the Polaris Gray or the Salt Ice keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of design and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that they offer different characteristics. The Polaris Gray has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a lighter touch, but its bottom out force is unknown. The preference for a lighter or heavier switch will depend on the individual's typing style and preference. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may lean towards the Salt Ice, while users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing needs.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Polaris Gray 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 switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Polaris Gray switch. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while 3.0mm is on the shallow end. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Salt Ice switch a popular choice. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt. Those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Polaris Gray switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key press feeling.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is described as exceptionally bright and clacky, creating vibrant feedback with an energetic and responsive typing experience. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle feel with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel. These switches are suitable for most users as they strike a balance between comfort and performance. On the contrary, there is no specific information available about the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's feel characteristics.
Considering all the available information, the SP-Star Polaris Gray and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Polaris Gray switch excels in providing a bouncy and polished typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a pleasant and customizable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who enjoys a bouncy and clean typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptionally bright, clacky, and energetic typing experience with a light touch and are not concerned about bottom out force, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred typing feel and sound profile to ensure an enjoyable and tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
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