Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Sky POM both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice switch stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch, made entirely of POM material, offers a premium quality at an accessible price point with a clacky sound, smoothness, and gentle actuation force. While the Salt Ice switch leans towards an energetic and responsive typing experience, the Sky POM switch boasts a buttery, low-pitched, creamy, and silky 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Salt Ice and Dareu Sky POM both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sky POM utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences in sound quality.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Salt Ice also employs a polycarbonate material, similarly enhancing its sound profile with a sharper, crisper tone. In comparison, the Sky POM utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. These differences in bottom housing materials highlight how the choice of housing can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a keyboard switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile of a keyboard switch. While the Salt Ice and Sky POM offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different housing materials, both switches showcase the importance of top and bottom housing materials in influencing sound quality. Whether it's the sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice or the deep and muted sound of POM and nylon in the Sky POM, understanding the characteristics of housing materials is essential for achieving the desired sound experience in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Sky POM is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one is heavier in that aspect. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of bottoming out. When it comes to typing preferences, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Sky POM for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a slightly heavier actuation may opt for the Salt Ice for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Dareu Sky POM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance compared to the Sky POM. The shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Sky POM may provide a more substantial and deliberate feel when typing. Both switches offer slightly shorter travel distances than the traditional 4.0mm, making them suitable for those looking for a more modern and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, providing users with a lively and energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, which typically results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, whether you prefer the vibrant feedback of the Salt Ice or the smoother sound of the Sky POM will depend on your personal preference and setup.
Moving on to feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is recognized for its light touch and effortless actuation, making it a popular choice for users seeking a responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Typing on the Sky POM switch feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, thanks to its exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance during key presses.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Dareu Sky POM linear switches provide distinct sound and feel experiences for users to consider. If you enjoy bright and clacky switches with a light touch, the Salt Ice may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched sound and a buttery, creamy, and silky feel, the Dareu Sky POM switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so it ultimately comes down to individual preference when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a vibrant and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a low-pitched, clacky sound and a buttery, creamy, or silky smooth feel, the Sky POM switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you enjoy the most.
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