Kailh Sage vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Kailh Sage and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the Kailh Sage and the Jerrzi Salt Ice. The Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, making it invigorating and crunchy to type on. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is a linear switch known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Sage is ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience, the Salt Ice is perfect for users seeking an energetic and responsive feel while typing. 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
The main difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Sage and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches is that the Sage features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Salt Ice has both top and bottom housings made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a crisper sound when typing. Additionally, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, which enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced. On the other hand, nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that the Sage will have a combination of sharper top-out sound from the polycarbonate top housing and a deeper bottom-out sound from the nylon bottom housing, while the Salt Ice will produce a consistently clear and resonant sound throughout the keystroke.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, which makes them ideal for use with RGB lighting. The clear housing of polycarbonate allows the lighting to shine through, creating vibrant and colorful effects. However, the Sage's nylon bottom housing may not have the same visual impact as the Jerrzi Salt Ice's uniform polycarbonate construction. The choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and visual appeal. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to their housing materials, with the Sage focusing on a combination of sharp and deep sound profiles, while the Salt Ice provides a consistently clear and resonant sound.
Ultimately, the decision between the Kailh Sage and the Jerrzi Salt Ice will depend on individual preferences for sound and aesthetics. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the Sage stands out with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper, fuller sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice maintains a uniform polycarbonate construction for consistency in sound quality throughout the keystroke. Whether you prioritize a combination of sound profiles or a consistent typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Kailh Sage clicky switch boasts a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying click. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a lighter touch for quicker keystrokes. While the actuation force of the Sage is not specified, the lack of a bottom out force for the Salt Ice suggests a potentially lighter overall feel. The lighter actuation force of the Salt Ice may appeal to those who prefer a gentler typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Sage may suit users seeking a more robust and tactile response. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences, but the Sage leans towards a heavier typing feel compared to the potentially lighter Salt Ice switch.
Travel distance
The Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quick and responsive key presses. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, whether you choose the Sage or Salt Ice switch will depend on personal preference regarding the feel of key presses - whether you prefer a slightly deeper press with the Sage or a slightly shallower press with the Salt Ice.
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 Sage 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its crunchy and crisp clickiness, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's sound characteristics are not explicitly described in the provided information. However, both switches offer distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Sage switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile sensation with its pronounced feedback, firm actuation force, and snappy feel. This creates an immersive typing experience that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a tactile response. Unfortunately, the description for the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not offer insight into its tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Sage clicky switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. While the Sage switch is known for its heavy weight and sharp clickiness, the Salt Ice switch offers bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch. Both switches cater to users looking for an energetic and responsive typing experience, albeit in different ways. Whether you prefer the distinct clicky feedback of the Sage or the vibrant actuation of the Salt Ice, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky typing experience with a heavy bottom-out force and sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch with exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Whether you choose the Sage for its distinct clicky feel or the Salt Ice for its vibrant feedback, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
