Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice switch is known for its bright and clacky feel, providing users with a light touch and vibrant feedback for an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its pastel colors and proprietary material blend that delivers a dry, wispy, and airy typing experience. Despite the Sea Glass's 62g bottom-out force, it manages to feel weightless and frictionless, providing a smooth and hollow sound signature. While the Salt Ice may appeal to those seeking a responsive and lively typing experience, the Sea Glass would be ideal for those looking for a smoother and lighter feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Durock Sea Glass switches showcase distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Its stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top and bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that leans towards a brighter tone. This blend provides a pleasant sound quality that is not overly sharp, providing a different auditory experience compared to the Salt Ice.
In terms of sound production, the difference in housing materials between the two switches is apparent. The polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Salt Ice contribute to a sharper and more resonant sound, especially noticeable when pressing down and releasing a key. On the other hand, the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housing of the Sea Glass offers a softer and brighter sound profile, creating a more mellow typing experience. While both switches aim to provide a pleasant sound, the choice of housing material significantly impacts the overall sound quality and feel of typing on each switch.
Despite their differences, the top and bottom housing materials of the Salt Ice and Sea Glass switches play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of typing. The qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Whether it's the crisp and sharp sound of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice or the unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Sea Glass, both switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Salt Ice switch does not have an available measurement, while the Sea Glass switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium in terms of the force needed to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter touch and less fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions, the Salt Ice switch may be the preferred choice. Conversely, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Sea Glass switch with its heavier bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that the Salt Ice has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for gaming purposes due to faster response times. However, the Sea Glass offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing compared to the Salt Ice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky sound, which adds an energetic element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches offer a uniquely hollow sound signature, which can provide a different auditory feedback that some users may find intriguing. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are noted for their light touch and vibrant feedback, providing a responsive and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, offering a smooth and effortless typing feel with a weightlessness that defies expectations. Additionally, the Sea Glass switches are characterized as mild and feathery, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different user preferences, whether you prefer a lighter touch or a smoother feel.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Durock Sea Glass switches each bring their own set of subjective qualities to the table. The Salt Ice switches provide a bright and clacky sound paired with a light touch, while the Sea Glass switches offer a unique dry and airy sound signature along with a frictionless and weightless typing feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches stand out in their own way, and you can expect comparable results in terms of performance and comfort from either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch or the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you value a bright, clacky feel with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, weightless, and frictionless typing experience with a unique dry and airy feel, the Sea Glass switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the energetic responsiveness of the Salt Ice or the distinct smoothness and hollow sound signature of the Sea Glass. Consider your sound preferences and desired typing feel when selecting between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
