Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Splash Brothers mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a light touch and vibrant feedback for a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches are likened to the dynamic duo of Steph and Klay, offering a shorter activation and long pole stem for a great typing feel, accompanied by a creamy sound signature. While the Salt Ice switch falls under a different category, the Splash Brothers are categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Bouncy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers its own distinct advantages and appeal, catering to users seeking specific qualities in their 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Splash Brothers differ in their bottom housing components. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound output of a switch, with polycarbonate offering a crisper tone and nylon providing a rounder sound.
In terms of their top housings, both the Salt Ice and the Splash Brothers utilize polycarbonate, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches allows for a more clear and resonant sound, which is enhanced by the translucency of the material. Additionally, polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the material allows for light to pass through easily, creating a visually appealing effect.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Splash Brothers reflects the importance of material selection in creating a specific sound profile for mechanical switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, the use of different materials in the bottom housings results in distinct acoustic characteristics. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the Splash Brothers's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller tone. Understanding how each housing material affects the overall sound output can help keyboard enthusiasts choose the right switch for their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it can be noted that the Salt Ice requires 45 grams of force to actuate, while the Splash Brothers force for actuation is unknown. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice is not specified, whereas the Splash Brothers linear switch requires 48 grams of force to bottom out. This means that the Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force compared to the Splash Brothers, while the Splash Brothers has a lighter bottom out force. The difference in actuation force may result in a lighter typing feel for the Salt Ice, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Splash Brothers may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm option. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Salt Ice a popular choice in the gaming community. However, some may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt and prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Splash Brothers for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant enough to drastically impact the typing or gaming experience, so choosing between them will largely depend on personal preference in terms of keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is best known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant feedback sound that is sure to grab attention. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offers a creamy sound signature, which may be more subdued and pleasing to the ear. The sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider these when making a choice.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is praised for its light touch and effortless actuation, offering a responsive typing experience that is energetic. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch is described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, with qualities like being snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, the Splash Brothers switch offers a variety of tactile sensations that cater to different preferences.
Considering the information provided, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles for users to choose from. The Salt Ice switch is characterized by its bright and clacky sound with an energetic feel, while the Splash Brothers switch offers a creamy sound and a mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound output and tactile feedback. Both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so selecting the one that aligns with your preferences will ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a vibrant and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a creamy sound signature and a great typing feel reminiscent of the dynamic duo Steph and Klay, then the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you are seeking from your mechanical keyboard.
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