Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly impact your overall experience, and two notable options are the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both of which are linear switches. The Salt Ice is celebrated for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, delivering an energetic and responsive typing experience thanks to its light touch and vibrant feedback; it’s an ideal choice for users who thrive on tactile engagement and dynamic sound during typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a smoother actuation with Ly stems that provide a more subdued, resonant sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a quieter yet equally satisfying experience that emphasizes fluidity over pronounced feedback. While both switches offer unique advantages, tailored to different preferences in typing feel and sound, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
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 the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which ensures a sharper and crisper sound when the keys are pressed and released. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making both switches suitable for users who appreciate a high-pitched auditory feedback during typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate serves to enhance RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing for those who enjoy customizable lighting options. The consistency in top housing materials leads to a comparable performance when it comes to sound quality and aesthetics, allowing users to expect a similar auditory experience.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate material in their top housings, they differ in the composition of their bottom housings, which lead to distinct sound profiles. The Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing to maintain a cohesive and crisp sound signature throughout the entire keypress. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employs a nylon bottom housing, imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, is designed to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory feedback that differs from the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. This variation in bottom housing materials indicates that while the top housing experiences a unified auditory characteristic, the richness and depth of sound during bottoming out will vary between the two switches due to the properties of the materials used.
Furthermore, the interaction between the top and bottom housings shapes the overall user experience of each switch. In the case of the Salt Ice, both the top and bottom housings contribute to a harmonious sound experience, where the impact of each keypress is marked by a consistent tone. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more divided auditory experience; the conforming characteristics of the nylon bottom housing create a contrast to the polycarbonate top, producing a unique blend of sounds as the user types. In summary, even though both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, their differing bottom materials—polycarbonate for the Salt Ice and nylon for the Tomcat (Heavy)—lead to distinct auditory experiences, showcasing how material differences influence tactile feedback and sound profiles in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces, which affect the overall typing experience. The Salt Ice requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for those who prefer longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) comes in with a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback. While the Salt Ice's bottom out force remains unknown, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the Tomcat offers a firmer push feel overall compared to the Salt Ice. Thus, for users prioritizing comfort and endurance, the lighter Salt Ice would be suitable, while those seeking a more decisive typing experience should favor the heavier Tomcat.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Salt Ice features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly longer distance of 3.6 mm. With this, the Salt Ice is the shorter option, making it suitable for gamers who favor quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its deeper travel, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feedback and tactile depth when pressing keys. Therefore, if you seek responsiveness, the Salt Ice would be your better choice, while the Tomcat (Heavy) would cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress experience.
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 (Heavy) 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 linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally bright and clacky acoustics, creating an energetic sound profile that can enhance the typing experience. This lively auditory feedback is particularly appealing to users who appreciate a dynamic environment while they type. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibits a resonant sound profile thanks to its Ly stems, producing a more subdued yet satisfying sound experience. The unique acoustics of each switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the type of keyboard used and the choice of keycaps, so they may offer a different auditory experience in different setups.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switch provides a light touch that results in vibrant feedback during typing, making each keystroke feel effortless and responsive. This feature emphasizes an energetic typing sensation, ideal for users who prefer a lively interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is designed for a super smooth typing experience, which can provide a plush, satisfying feel with each press while accommodating typists who prefer a heavier resistance. The difference in tactile feedback means that while both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences regarding how a switch feels under the fingers.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches present unique auditory and tactile characteristics that enhance the keyboard experience. The Salt Ice switch leans towards a lively and clacky sound with a light and responsive feel, perfect for those who thrive on energetic feedback. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch delivers a smoother and more resonant sound profile with a heavier touch, appealing to those who favor a more subdued experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can offer rewarding results, contributing overall to a satisfying typing experience in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches ultimately revolves around your personal preferences and typing style. If you thrive in a lively, energetic environment and enjoy a highly responsive typing experience, the Salt Ice switches are an excellent fit for you. Their light touch and bright, clacky feedback make typing feel almost effortless, perfect for fast-paced tasks and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) is likely to suit your needs better. Its Ly stems provide a super smooth typing experience, with a resonant sound profile that adds to the overall tactile enjoyment. In summary, choose Salt Ice if you favor light actuation and vibrant feedback, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is the way to go if you appreciate a heftier feel and smooth transitions. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you intend to use your keyboard and what tactile sensations enhance your typing experience the most.
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