Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch that delivers vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear is praised for its innovative design that provides a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel adds a touch of sophistication to the typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that make them appealing, but choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preferences. 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
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics from both switches based on their shared polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the housing materials of the two switches differ in their bottom housing. The Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This distinction in bottom housing materials gives each switch a unique feel and sound when pressed, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharp and resonant sound, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper sound profile, while the Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Users can expect distinct typing experiences from these switches based on the unique qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Salt Ice has a light actuation force of 45 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. However, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice is unknown, so it's difficult to gauge the overall typing experience in terms of force. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. If the actuation force for the Semi-Silent Linear is the same as the Salt Ice, then users can expect similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The difference of 0.3 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired feel during use.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, providing vibrant feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a semi-silent experience with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued and neutral sound profile compared to the energetic and lively sound of the Salt Ice switch. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for a more vibrant or a more subtle typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is praised for its light touch and effortless actuation, offering a smooth typing experience. On the contrary, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished typing experience. This means that the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a gentle yet responsive typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes, ultimately providing a more refined and polished feel compared to the approachable and effortless feel of the Salt Ice switch. Again, the preference for typing feel will vary depending on the user's preference for a smoother or more responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Salt Ice switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a light touch, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a semi-silent experience with a smooth and polished feel. Both switches are suitable for various typing intents and purposes, with the Salt Ice switch providing a more energetic typing experience and the Semi-Silent Linear switch offering a more refined and subdued typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch versus the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, your choice should be based on the typing experience you are seeking. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and light touch, the Salt Ice switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a whisper-quiet and smooth typing experience with a semi-silent top-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize energetic responsiveness or a more subdued and gentle typing feel. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs.
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