Everglide Rice Pudding vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two intriguing options to consider are the Everglide Rice Pudding and the Jerrzi Salt Ice. The Rice Pudding switches excel in delivering a smooth, precise typing experience with a satisfying auditory profile, making them ideal for those who prioritize a balanced feel and sound quality in their typing. Additionally, their compatibility with Wooting's customizable keyboards adds a layer of versatility, appealing to enthusiasts who look for adaptability in their gaming or typing setup. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright, clacky feedback and light actuation, which offer a lively and responsive typing experience. This makes them particularly attractive for users who enjoy a more energetic feel while typing or gaming, seeking quick response times and vibrant sensations. While both switches cater to different preferences and use cases, each bears unique strengths that can enhance your keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Custom stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches present both similarities and contrasts that significantly influence their acoustic performances. Both switches incorporate polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, which enhances sound clarity and resonance due to the stiffer nature of this plastic. The inherent properties of polycarbonate facilitate a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making both switches capable of delivering crisp auditory feedback. This quality is especially beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the translucency of polycarbonate not only allows light to filter effectively through the top of the switch but also contributes to a visually striking aesthetic.
In sharper contrast, the Rice Pudding and Salt Ice switches diverge in their choice of materials for the bottom housing. The Rice Pudding utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice’s polycarbonate bottom. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonate, yielding a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference means that while both top housings elevate brightness in sound due to their shared polycarbonate composition, the Rice Pudding’s nylon bottom adds a unique depth to key presses that the Salt Ice cannot replicate.
Understanding how these materials affect the overall typing experience reveals their differing sound signatures despite the characteristics of their top housings being similar. When engaged in typing, the Rice Pudding will provide a more dynamic range, thanks to the cushioning effect of the nylon bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Salt Ice will maintain a consistent, high-pitched tone throughout, driven by its polycarbonate bottom housing. Therefore, while both switches exhibit clarity from their polycarbonate tops, the distinct nature of their bottom materials results in varied auditory experiences that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice switch remains unspecified. The Rice Pudding switch features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who favor a more effortless typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Since the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unknown, it’s difficult to fully compare resistance when the key is fully pressed down. Nonetheless, users will find that the Everglide Rice Pudding offers a lighter overall typing feel compared to the heavier actuation force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice, appealing to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Rice Pudding features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Salt Ice offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the more responsive option, catering to gamers who prefer quicker actuation for faster response times. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding provides a slightly deeper feedback that some users might find more satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a more substantial key press. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Rice Pudding's longer distance may appeal to users looking for a bit more depth in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches deliver a deep and satisfying auditory experience, enhancing the overall typing rhythm with a balanced tone that feels both refined and substantial. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile, offering a more lively and energetic auditory feedback that can invigorate the typing experience. This dichotomy means that users seeking a more subdued and grounded sound may favor the Rice Pudding, while those looking for a more pronounced and responsive acoustic characteristic might lean towards the Salt Ice switches.
As for feel, the Rice Pudding switches provide a smooth and precise operation that ensures each keystroke is both satisfying and controlled. This makes them particularly appealing for typists who appreciate a consistent experience without any jarring interruptions. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice switches boast a light touch and vibrant feedback, facilitating an effortless actuation that can make typing feel more dynamic and engaging. Regardless of their differences, both switches aim to enhance the user’s typing experience in their own unique ways, catering to different preferences in touch and response.
In summary, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in providing a refined, deep sound with a smooth feel, making them suitable for a more precise typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky sound combined with a light and energetic feel, appealing to those who desire a responsive and lively interaction. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a balanced, substantial auditory experience paired with a smooth touch or a more vibrant, lively feedback that encourages quick and spirited typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your keyboard. If you favor a smooth and satisfying operation with a bit of a deeper sound, the Rice Pudding switch is your best bet, particularly if you're looking for versatility and compatibility with specialized keyboards like Wooting. Its lighter 48-gram bottom-out force also makes it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, providing a refined balance between speed and comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer vibrant, clacky sounds and a more energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switch will likely cater to your tastes. With its exceptionally bright feedback and light touch, it provides an engaging and responsive feel that some users crave, especially in fast-paced environments. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize smooth performance and versatility or lively auditory feedback and responsiveness.
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