Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Taro offer unique characteristics and typing experiences. The Salt Ice is a linear switch known for its exceptionally bright and clacky feel, paired with a light touch that provides a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. On the other hand, the Taro is a tactile switch that offers a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Salt Ice leans towards an energetic and responsive typing experience, the Taro provides a more subdued and comfortable 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Taro are quite similar in terms of their top housing being made of polycarbonate. Both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. This material also allows for RGB lighting to be more prominently displayed, making it visually appealing. However, the Taro's nylon bottom housing sets it apart from the Salt Ice. The nylon material in the Taro switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate in the Salt Ice, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, which some users may prefer for a softer typing experience.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, the Jerrzi Salt Ice's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, contributing to a consistent sound profile across the entire switch. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro's nylon bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a different tactile experience than the Salt Ice. The split between housing materials in the Taro switch allows for a unique typing experience that combines the benefits of both materials, with the top housing having a greater impact on the sound upon key release compared to the bottom housing.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jwick Taro ultimately determines the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Taro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to users looking for a softer typing experience. The split between housing materials in the Taro switch allows for a more nuanced sound and feel, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Salt Ice has a light actuation force of 45 grams, while the Taro's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Salt Ice's force is unknown, while the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Taro switch better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. The Salt Ice offers a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice for competitive gaming. On the other hand, the Taro provides a bit more depth in key press, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or general use. Overall, while the Salt Ice is the shorter option and the Taro is the longer option, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for key feel and response time.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, resulting in a vibrant feedback and crisp clacks. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a moderate sound profile with acute and crisp clacks, providing a cozy and subtle typing experience. Depending on your personal preference, the Salt Ice may be preferable for users who enjoy a more energetic and responsive typing sound, while the Taro may be better suited for those looking for a more subdued and relaxing typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Salt Ice switch offers a light touch and effortless actuation, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience. The Taro switch, on the other hand, offers a snappy, medium-level of tactility, giving a buttery and stepped typing sensation. While the Salt Ice may be favored by users who prefer a light and responsive key feel, the Taro may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and engaging typing experience.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Salt Ice provides a bright and clacky sound with a light touch, while the Taro offers a moderate sound profile with a snappy tactility. Depending on your preferences for typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying and enjoyable feel while typing. Additionally, keep in mind that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard used and the type of keycaps installed. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with light touch and vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy and snappy typing experience with medium-level tactility and crisp clacks, the Taro switches would be more fitting for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
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