Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and TTC Speed Silver offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Salt Ice switches are renowned for their exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile, providing an energetic and responsive typing experience that appeals to those who thrive on vibrant feedback and a light touch. Their design makes them particularly attractive for gamers and typists alike who appreciate a lively auditory response with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switches cater to users who prioritize speed and precision, featuring a light-medium resistance and a polished sound profile that ensures quiet operation. With a reduced travel distance, these switches enable rapid actuation, making them ideal for both fast-paced gaming and efficient typing. Each switch brings unique qualities to the table—whether it’s the lively feedback of the Salt Ice or the swift responsiveness of the Speed Silver. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Speed Silver, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar auditory characteristics. Polycarbonate is renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, largely due to its stiffness as a plastic material. This rigidity enables the sound to resonate more clearly, making both the Salt Ice and Speed Silver capable of delivering a vibrant auditory experience, especially when enhanced with RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a similar acoustic performance when they engage the keys, whether they're gaming or typing.
However, a notable difference arises in the bottom housing material of the two switches, with the Salt Ice employing polycarbonate and the Speed Silver utilizing nylon. This divergence significantly impacts the overall sound profile and tactile feel of each switch. The nylon bottom housing in the Speed Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound waves due to its softer composition. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom, while still offering some resonance, translates to a different auditory experience. This means that while both switches offer clarity from their tops, the Speed Silver's full-bodied output provides a more rounded and subdued sound when a key is pressed down, which could appeal to users seeking a softer typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials leads to distinct yet complementary results in keyboard performance. With the top housing of both switches offering similar crisper tones, the difference in bottom housing materials introduces a varied depth and richness to the key press experience. Users who appreciate a more pronounced click and sharper notes may gravitate towards the Salt Ice, while those who prefer a warmer and fuller sound profile might find the Speed Silver more appealing. Regardless of preference, the split characteristics of these materials ensure that each switch provides a unique yet enjoyable typing experience, tailored to the user's specific tastes.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, both share an actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar in terms of keystroke activation. However, the Speed Silver distinguishes itself with a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating it requires more effort to physically press the key all the way down, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer heavier switches. In contrast, the Salt Ice lacks a specified bottom out force, meaning its feel and feedback upon bottoming out remain unknown. Consequently, while both switches offer equal resistance during the actuation phase, the TTC Speed Silver is the heavier switch due to its defined bottom out force, whereas the Salt Ice can be considered lighter despite its unknown bottom out force. This makes the Speed Silver more suited for users who appreciate a firmer feedback and stronger feel, while the Salt Ice might appeal to those who seek a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
Both the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, which means that users will experience a similar key press depth when activating either switch. This equal travel distance can lead to comparable results in terms of feel and feedback while typing or gaming, as both switches provide a consistent response throughout their full range of motion. As a result, individuals looking for a switch with a specific travel distance will find that both options deliver an identical experience in terms of key travel.
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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 quality, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by exceptionally bright and clacky acoustics. This vibrant sound profile adds an energetic element to the typing experience, making it particularly appealing to users who appreciate a lively auditory response with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch presents a neutral sound profile, featuring a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes the Speed Silver versatile for various typing environments, whether at home or in a professional setting, as it doesn't overpower the ambient sound with excessive noise.
In terms of feel, the Salt Ice switch is notable for its light touch and vibrant feedback, contributing to an energetic typing experience that users might find engaging and enjoyable. The TTC Speed Silver, while also designed for a responsive typing experience, boasts a mild and polished feel. The mild nature of these switches provides a gentle touch, making them approachable for a wide range of users. Additionally, the polished finish results in smooth key travel, allowing for seamless actuation and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice and TTC Speed Silver switches cater to different sensibilities—with the former offering a brighter, clackier sound and an energetic feel, and the latter providing a neutral sound with a smooth, gentle touch—both switches allow users to achieve satisfactory typing experiences in their respective ways. The choice between them ultimately hinges on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but either way, users can expect responsive performance suited to their typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you thrive on energetic feedback and are seeking a highly responsive and vibrant typing experience, the Salt Ice is likely the perfect match for you. Its bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch, will keep your typing lively and engaging, making it ideal for creative projects, gaming, or just a fun typing session. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision, the TTC Speed Silver is tailored for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force and reduced travel distance allow for rapid key presses, making it more suited for fast typists or gamers who need quick response times. The Speed Silver also offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a refined and approachable typing experience that caters well to all users, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider your typing style, the sound profile you prefer, and the setting in which you'll be using them to make your choice.
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