Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Huano Strawberry Latte exemplify the vibrant spectrum of linear switch options available to enthusiasts. The Salt Ice switches are renowned for their bright and clacky characteristics, offering users an energetic and responsive typing experience that feels effortless, making them an ideal choice for those who thrive on tactile feedback during typing sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte switches focus on smoothness and a balanced sound profile; they utilize advanced molds from Huano to provide a seamless typing experience that strikes a harmonious balance between audible feedback and subtlety. While the Salt Ice might appeal to users seeking a lively interaction with their keyboard, the Strawberry Latte is perfect for those who prefer a refined, unobtrusive auditory 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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Huano Strawberry Latte, distinct differences emerge, particularly in the top housings. The Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate, a stiffer and clearer plastic that contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances the clarity of the sound produced but also complements RGB lighting aesthetics due to its translucence. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, known for its exceptional smoothness and durability. Although it offers a smoother tactile experience, the POK material yields a “clacky” sound profile, which positions it differently in terms of acoustic characteristics when compared to the Salt Ice's sharper tone.
The bottom housings of these switches further illustrate their acoustic variations. The Salt Ice’s bottom housing, also constructed from polycarbonate, maintains the same sound profile of clarity and resonance as found in its top housing. This consistency maximizes the sharper sound expected from this model. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs a nylon bottom housing known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nylon material absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, leading to a rounder bottom-out sound and tactile feel, thereby enhancing the switch's overall acoustic experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in each switch’s housings creates a unique sound and feel for each model. While both the Salt Ice and Strawberry Latte showcase high-quality builds—polycarbonate and nylon for the Salt Ice and a mix of POK and nylon for the Strawberry Latte—the resulting auditory feedback and tactile experiences cater to different user preferences. Understanding how the top and bottom housing materials interact helps predict outcomes; for instance, while the Salt Ice is likely to produce a sharper, more resonant sound, the Strawberry Latte delivers a smooth and deeper audio response, making both models appealing to different users based on their preferences for sound profiles.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Salt Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter with an actuation force of only 35 grams. This difference means that the Salt Ice requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke compared to the Strawberry Latte, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect with the Strawberry Latte, which has a bottom out force of 45 grams. For users who prioritize lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Huano Strawberry Latte is the better option, whereas those who favor a more substantial feel in their switch might lean towards the Jerrzi Salt Ice. Overall, the two switches cater to different preferences, with the Strawberry Latte being the lighter choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find that the Salt Ice has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter of the two options, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, could provide a more satisfying depth for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke feel. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more hearty depth in your typing experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte would be more suitable.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 characterized by its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This prominent sound can create an energetic atmosphere while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a more balanced sound profile. It isn’t overly resonant, striking a sweet spot that falls between loud and quiet, which can be ideal for users seeking a more muted, yet still engaging, sound experience. While both switches present unique auditory profiles, the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference for either an energetic clack or a balanced timbre.
When it comes to the feel, the Salt Ice switches provide a light touch that contributes to an effortless actuation, making them engaging for fast typing or gaming. The feedback is vibrant, which can create an active sensation under the fingers. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte switches emphasize smoothness, thanks to the latest molds from Huano, which deliver an incredibly uniform feel throughout the keystroke. This smooth operation can contribute to reduced finger fatigue during longer typing sessions. Although they offer different tactile experiences—one being more energetic and the other more fluid—both can provide an enjoyable typing experience depending on your preference.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch excels in providing a bright and clacky sound coupled with a lively touch, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a balanced auditory experience paired with a buttery-smooth key feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may come down to the type of typing experience you seek: an energetic and responsive feel with audibly bright feedback or a serene yet satisfying smoothness and sound. Both can deliver enjoyable experiences; it just depends on which qualities resonate more with your personal typing style.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a vibrant and clacky feedback in your keystrokes, the Salt Ice might be the ideal choice, as it offers an exceptionally light touch and responsive actuation that can energize your typing experience, especially for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where quick responses are critical. However, if you prefer a smoother feel with a more balanced sound profile—providing just enough resistance and feedback without overwhelming resonance—the Strawberry Latte would be more suitable for you. Its light 45-gram actuation force ensures that you can type for extended periods comfortably, making it an excellent option for both office work and leisurely typing. Thus, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize an energetic and lively typing experience or a smooth and balanced feel with less auditory distraction.
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