Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Bsun Tomcat are two linear options that cater to distinct user preferences. The Salt Ice switches stand out with their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, delivering a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation that many typists crave for an energetic and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat switches focus on providing a super smooth typing experience with their Ly stems, producing a more subdued yet resonant sound profile for users who prefer a quieter, more refined keystroke. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a lively and tactile feel or a seamless and muted operation. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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 spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Bsun Tomcat switches share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which significantly influences the auditory characteristics of each switch. Both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate, as it is a relatively stiff plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material choice also allows for visual appeal through translucency, making both switches well-suited for RGB lighting applications. Users can expect a similar auditory experience when engaging with both switches, especially in how sound is produced when keys are released. A clear and resonant sound profile is thus a hallmark of both the Salt Ice and Tomcat switches due to the polycarbonate top.
However, the switches diverge in their choice of materials for the bottom housing, with the Salt Ice employing polycarbonate to maintain a consistent sound profile while the Tomcat opts for nylon. The impact of this choice is notable, as nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. This absorption of sound leads to a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to the sharper tone generated by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice. Therefore, while the top housing of both switches creates a similar auditory landscape, the bottom housing of the Tomcat enriches the experience with a distinct depth that contrasts with the clarity provided by the Salt Ice’s bottom housing.
This combination of materials results in a nuanced difference in overall feel and sound during usage. The Salt Ice's all-polycarbonate housing offers a more cohesive sound profile and tactile feedback, while the Tomcat's nylon bottom invokes a contrasting depth that changes the user's perception of the switch. Consequently, pressing down on the Salt Ice may yield sharper sounds, while the Tomcat provides a fuller output upon bottoming out. The unique interaction between the housing materials ultimately shapes how each switch is perceived, with the Salt Ice representing clarity and brightness, and the Tomcat embodying warmth and depth.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar when it comes to initiating a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Tomcat is specified as 54 grams, while that information is not provided for the Salt Ice. This creates a divergence in their performance—users of the Tomcat might experience a more pronounced tactile feedback upon bottoming out due to the higher force requirement. In terms of weight preference, since both switches have the same actuation force, those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may gravitate toward the Salt Ice for its unknown bottom out force, presuming it's either softer or less pronounced than the Tomcat’s. Therefore, for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Salt Ice may be more appealing to those who prioritize comfort, while the heavier bottom out force of the Tomcat could cater to individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may impact user experience, particularly for those seeking faster response times, as the shorter Salt Ice switch allows for quicker actuation, which can be beneficial for gamers. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance lends itself to a more pronounced keypress feel, appealing to individuals who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you favor responsiveness, the Salt Ice is the better option, while those who lean towards a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Tomcat. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preference regarding switch feel and gaming needs.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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 switch stands out with its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing an energetic auditory feedback that many find exhilarating during typing sessions. This lively tone contributes to an engaging and expressive typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate pronounced acoustics. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, which likely creates a rich and full-bodied auditory environment. While both switches offer distinct sound experiences, the Salt Ice leans towards a sharper and more lively sound, while the Tomcat may appeal to users seeking a deeper, more resonant tone. That said, the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Salt Ice offers a light touch and vibrant feedback that ensures an effortless actuation, making it a great choice for fast-paced typists or gamers who require quick responses. This lightness translates to a lively feel that encourages rapid keystrokes without much resistance. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches focus on delivering a super smooth typing experience, facilitated by their Ly stems. This smoothness is ideal for users who prefer a more fluid motion when pressing keys, potentially reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While both switches provide enjoyable tactile experiences, the Salt Ice emphasizes responsiveness and actuation speed, whereas the Tomcat centers around a seamless and consistent keystroke.
In summary, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, yet they appeal to various types of users. The Salt Ice is characterized by its bright, clacky sound and responsive touch, perfect for those who thrive on energetic feedback. On the other hand, the Tomcat offers a deeper resonance and an exceptionally smooth actuation, ideal for users looking for a tranquil and fluid typing experience. While their qualities may differ, both switches can lead to satisfactory results depending on individual typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your decision should be guided by your specific typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you’re looking for an energetic and responsive typing experience with an incredibly light touch, the Salt Ice switch is the way to go. Its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics provide a unique auditory feedback that can elevate your typing sessions, making it ideal for those who thrive on a lively sound profile. Conversely, if you prefer a more grounded and controlled feel, the Tomcat switch may be the better choice for you. With a medium-light bottom-out force and Ly stems that deliver a super smooth typing experience, it provides a satisfying resonance that appeals to users who appreciate a subtler sound and more defined feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the vibrant energy of the Salt Ice or the refined smoothness of the Tomcat, ensuring you find the perfect match for your typing style.
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