Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TKC Tangerine mechanical keyboard switches, it all boils down to personal preferences. The Salt Ice switches are praised for their bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches offer an incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks in part to their UHWMPE housings, resulting in a pleasurable keystroke each time. While the Salt Ice switches are known for their vibrant feedback, the Tangerine switches boast a high-pitched clack that adds a unique touch to typing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prefer a more vibrant and energetic typing experience or a smoother and more polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

$6.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TKC Tangerine switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. This material is especially effective for switches that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch employs UHWMPE for both its top and bottom housing, offering a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both switches provide a unique auditory experience, they differ in their choice of housing material and sound characteristics.

Despite their differences, both the Salt Ice and Tangerine switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in achieving specific sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice contributes to a sharp and crisp sound, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine produces bright and resonant clacks during typing. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice enhances the clear and resonant sound profile, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine complements the overall sound signature of the switch. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance is crucial for enthusiasts seeking to customize their typing experience.

By comparing and contrasting the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TKC Tangerine switches, enthusiasts can better appreciate the nuances of switch design. While the Salt Ice showcases the benefits of using polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, the Tangerine highlights the unique sound characteristics of UHWMPE. Whether one prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a brighter, resonant sound signature, both switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both the Salt Ice and Tangerine switches exemplify the importance of material choice in achieving specific sound profiles and overall typing satisfaction.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences between the two. The Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This means that the Salt Ice switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended periods of use, while the Tangerine switch would be more suitable for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. In this case, the Tangerine would be considered the heavier option, while the Salt Ice is the lighter one. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have different travel distances. The Salt Ice has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Tangerine has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred for faster response times, making the Salt Ice a better choice for gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tangerine's longer travel distance may be more appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant feedback and a light touch. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is described as having a high-pitched sound with a fairly high-pitched clack when typing on them. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Salt Ice offering a more energetic and responsive typing experience while the Tangerine provides a smooth and pleasurable typing sensation.

When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch does not have any described subjective qualities provided. However, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is praised for its incredibly smooth feel, offering a frictionless and buttery typing experience due to the UHWMPE housings. The Tangerine switch also provides a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Users can expect a seamless and effortless typing sensation with the Tangerine switch, making each keystroke a pleasure to type.

Overall, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Salt Ice provides a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback, the Tangerine offers a smoother and more pleasurable typing sensation with a high-pitched sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the energetic and responsive nature of the Salt Ice switch or the smooth and frictionless typing experience of the Tangerine switch for their mechanical keyboard setup. Regardless of the choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright and clacky feedback with a light touch, then the Salt Ice may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth keystroke with a high-pitched clack, then the Tangerine switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize vibrant feedback and effortless actuation or a smooth and frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more