Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two intriguing options to consider are the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Bsun Taichi, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant and responsive typing experience thanks to their light touch and effortless actuation. Users who prioritize energetic feedback and a lively feel will likely gravitate towards the Salt Ice. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches enchant with a high-pitched bottom-out sound and deliver unparalleled smoothness and stability, a result of their long-pole stems, extended springs, and walled design. This makes the Taichi an excellent choice for those who value a silky typing sensation without any interruptions. While both switches offer unique advantages, they serve different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. 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
3.60 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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Bsun Taichi share similarities in their top housings, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature that enhances sound clarity. The translucence of polycarbonate also makes it an attractive option for users who are interested in RGB lighting, as it allows the keyboard's backlighting to shine through effectively. Consequently, both switches can provide enhanced auditory feedback and visually appealing aesthetics when illuminated, creating a vibrant experience for users.
However, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two switches, which leads to contrasting sound characteristics. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Taichi utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which affects the auditory experience in a different manner. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that provides a more subdued auditory feedback compared to the Salt Ice. This distinction implies that while both switches deliver bright sounds in their upper ranges, the Taichi's bottom housing offers a warmer, softer conclusion to the sound.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in these switches significantly affects their overall performance and feel during use. For the Jerrzi Salt Ice, the dual polycarbonate composition ensures a consistently crisp auditory response across both the top and bottom of the switch. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a blend of auditory characteristics, where the top housing excites the sound when keys are released while the softer bottom housing rounds off the typing experience with a deeper impact. Ultimately, users can expect distinct auditory signatures from these two designs, highlighting the importance of material selection in crafting the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Salt Ice requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Taichi only requires 40 grams. This means that the Salt Ice switch is heavier, providing a more substantial tactile experience that some users may prefer, especially in heavier typing scenarios. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which leaves us without a direct comparison in that regard. However, the variance in actuation force suggests that typists might experience a difference in fatigue over time, with the lighter Taichi potentially being more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, if users prefer a lighter feel, the Taichi would be the optimal choice, while those seeking a firmer push might lean towards the Salt Ice.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker key presses and enhanced responsiveness, which can be advantageous for gaming. On the other hand, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer, as it can deliver a deeper stroke that may enhance typing comfort for extended periods. For users prioritizing rapid response times, the Salt Ice would be the preferable choice, while those seeking a more pronounced keystroke might gravitate towards the Taichi.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 delivers an exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile that captures attention, making typing feel energizing and lively. This vibrant auditory feedback enhances the overall experience, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic engagement while using their keyboard. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch boasts an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This design not only contributes to a unique auditory experience but also helps to stabilize the sound profile, leading to a smooth and consistent acoustic signature. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, each provides an engaging auditory backdrop that can complement different typing preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switch is characterized by its light touch and responsive actuation, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a nimble typing experience. Its smooth feedback contributes to a sense of energy and engagement, lending itself well to both fast-paced typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Taichi linear switch is crafted for unparalleled smoothness and stability. Its unique design elements work together to create a plush feel that enhances overall comfort during extended use. Users can expect a consistent and refined tactile experience with the Taichi, which may suit those focused on long typing sessions or a more controlled input approach.
In summary, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Salt Ice's bright and clacky sound provides an energetic typing experience, while the Taichi's high-pitched, enchanting bottom-out sound promotes stability and smoothness. Feel-wise, the Salt Ice features a light, responsive actuation that encourages quick typing, whereas the Taichi delivers a plush and refined tactile experience for longer use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether a user favors a lively auditory profile and nimble feel or a smooth and stable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, you should consider your specific preferences for sound and feel during keyboard use. If you crave a dynamic and lively typing experience with bright, clacky characteristics, the Salt Ice switch might be your best choice. Its effortless actuation and vibrant feedback cater to users who enjoy a more energetic interaction with their keyboard, making it an ideal option for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and stability in your keystrokes, the Taichi switch is worth considering. With its long-pole stem and carefully designed structure, it offers an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and an overall refined typing experience. Thus, if you prefer a seamless glide with a distinctive acoustic charm, the Bsun Taichi will likely satisfy your needs. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desire for either an exciting, responsive touch with the Salt Ice or a refined, stable feel with the Taichi—both of which can greatly enhance your keyboard experience based on your personal style and usage scenario.
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