Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Salt Ice switches are praised for their bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with a light touch and vibrant feedback for an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches offer a medium-high level of tactility with deep, resonating thocks thanks to their long, two-staged spring design. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches are both made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound quality, making it an ideal material for switch housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. Despite these similarities, the specific design and construction of each switch may result in slight differences in sound and feel.
While both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distribution of qualities allows for a unique and dynamic typing experience with each switch, as the interactions between the top and bottom housing materials create a distinct sound profile that can be tailored to individual preferences.
In terms of construction, the housing materials of the Salt Ice and Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches contribute to a consistent and reliable typing experience. The polycarbonate housing ensures structural integrity while enhancing the acoustics of the switches. However, the differences in design and layout of the switches may result in variations in sound and feel. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with the use of polycarbonate housing materials, delivering a satisfying sound profile and tactile feedback for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is the heavier option with an actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a bottom out force of 63 grams, labeling it as a medium force switch. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to press the key all the way down. Depending on personal preference, a lighter switch like the Salt Ice may be favored for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier switch like the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may be preferred for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer different force levels that cater to varying typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice switch may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Shadow (Ink) switch may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different experiences due to their travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing or gaming style.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 produces an exceptionally bright and clacky sound that is sharp and percussive. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a deep and resonating thock sound, known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Salt Ice being more lively and energetic while the Shadow offers a more deep and resonant sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch offers a light and effortless actuation with a tactile feedback that is yet to be described. On the flip side, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch provides a sharp and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and distinct, making it an accented and snappy switch. The Shadow switch also has a bouncy and stepped feel due to its long, two-staged spring design. Overall, the Salt Ice switch focuses on a light and vibrant typing experience, while the Shadow switch excels in providing a distinct and tactile feedback for each keypress.
When considering all the available information, it is clear that the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Salt Ice switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a light touch, the Shadow switch delivers a deep and resonant thock with a sharp and prominent tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Salt Ice offering a lively and responsive typing experience, and the Shadow switch providing a distinct and tactile feel with its double spring design. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you are looking for a light and clacky switch with vibrant feedback, effortless actuation, and a bright sound profile, the Salt Ice may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you prefer a medium-high level of tactility with a sharp tactile bump, deep thocks, and a snappy typing experience, then the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a light and energetic typing feel with the Salt Ice or a more tactile and responsive typing experience with the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring.
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