Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Sky V3 both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice is praised for its bright and clacky characteristics, providing a lively and responsive typing experience with a light touch. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 is known for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, striking a balance between comfort and precision for a variety of typing preferences. While the Salt Ice excels in vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Sky V3 is favored for its subdued and mild typing experience. 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
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Sky V3, both keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate, while the Sky V3 opts for a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material in the Sky V3 contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
One key difference between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Sky V3 lies in their bottom housing materials. While the Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Sky V3 utilizes a nylon bottom housing. This contrast leads to a variance in sound profiles, as the stiffer polycarbonate in the Salt Ice provides a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon in the Sky V3 creates a duller and rounder sound. The impact of the bottom housing material is particularly evident in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, highlighting the influence of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
It's worth noting that the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Sky V3 benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for the integration of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to both keyboards. Ultimately, while the choice of housing materials may differ between the two keyboards, the overall typing experience is shaped by a combination of the qualities each material brings to the switches, highlighting the importance of housing material selection in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it can be noted that the Salt Ice has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to determine which one requires more pressure to fully press down. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Sky V3 for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the slightly heavier actuation force of the Salt Ice for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and pressure sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Sky V3 switch might provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distances, so users can expect different results depending on which option they choose.
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 V3 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 V3 for $4.76.
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 best known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant feedback that appeals to users seeking an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, with a subdued sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
As for feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its light touch and effortless actuation, providing a responsive typing experience that is sure to please users looking for precision. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switch offers a mild typing experience that is more gentle and approachable, falling within a safe, middle-ground zone that caters to a wide range of preferences. The decision between the two switches will ultimately come down to whether you prefer a more pronounced typing feel or a milder, comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Salt Ice switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a light touch for a vibrant and responsive typing experience, while the Sky V3 switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing feel that caters to a diverse range of users. Ultimately, both switches are popular choices in the mechanical keyboard community, so you can expect similar quality results with either one based on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch or the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should opt for the Salt Ice if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with light touch and vibrant feedback. On the other hand, if you value a neutral sound signature and medium-light weight for a balanced typing experience, then the Sky V3 is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize energetic responsiveness or comfortable precision in your typing sessions. Consider your personal preferences and typing needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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