Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Salt Ice stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky feedback, providing users with an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile. If you're looking for a switch with a light touch and vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a comfortable typing experience and a satisfying tactile bump, the Silent Brown could be the better option. 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
63.5g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Silent Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This makes them ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for a more vibrant lighting effect. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues the trend of creating a clear and resonant sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a different sound profile that is deeper and fuller. This highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the choice between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Silent Brown comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The Salt Ice offers a sharper and more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, while the Silent Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards, making them crucial considerations for enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial keypress. However, the Salt Ice switch lacks information on its bottom out force, while the Silent Brown switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a more substantial option for those who prefer a heavier typing feel. For those who like a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice switch would be the preferable choice due to the lower actuation force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we see that the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Silent Brown's 3.8 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of modern switch options, with 4.0mm being the most traditional and 3.0mm being the most shallow. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more tactile feel may opt for the longer travel distance of the Silent Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key press responsiveness and depth.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, creating a vibrant feedback that stands out during typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is praised for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. Depending on personal preference, the Salt Ice switch may appeal to users who enjoy a more energetic and audible typing experience, while the Silent Brown switch caters to those who prefer a quieter and more subtle sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is recognized for its light touch and effortless actuation, providing users with a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. The Silent Brown switch is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, as well as mild and polished, ensuring a gentle and refined typing sensation. These qualities make the Silent Brown switch a great option for users seeking a comfortable and consistent typing feel.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown 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 Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile with a comfortable and buttery tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience. Regardless of the selection, both switches aim to provide a satisfactory typing experience that aligns with the user's needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch or the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a bright, clacky, and responsive typing experience with a light touch, then the Salt Ice switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a muted sound profile, then the Silent Brown switch would be the better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the perfect switch for you will enhance your typing experience and overall satisfaction with your mechanical keyboard.
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