Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, they both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky characteristics, providing a light touch and vibrant feedback that appeals to those seeking an energetic and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, coupled with a plush bottom-out sensation for a more subdued and quiet typing experience. While the Salt Ice switches are best for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing feedback, the U4 switches are ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more subtle typing sound. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gazzew U4 offer distinct sound profiles based on their composition. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switches featuring clear housings. On the other hand, the U4's boba plastic blend provides a unique sound experience with a softer touch.
Both the Salt Ice and U4 switches feature polycarbonate bottom housings, contributing to a clear and resonant sound profile. The stiff nature of polycarbonate enhances the overall sound quality of these switches, providing a consistent and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing offers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. This difference in material composition affects the feel and sound of bottoming out on the keys, highlighting the importance of housing materials in switch design.
When the top and bottom housings of a switch are different, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities allows for a nuanced typing experience, as the different materials interact to create a unique and customizable sound profile for each switch. Ultimately, understanding the properties of housing materials is crucial in selecting switches that align with individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force differs between the two. The Salt Ice has no reported bottom out force, while the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium. This means that the U4 switch will provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Salt Ice switch, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a heavier push feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Salt Ice switch more suitable, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the U4 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a shorter travel distance, which is popular among gamers for its quick response times. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Gazzew U4 may be the better option, but if you prefer a slightly shallower key press, the Jerrzi Salt Ice would be suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their comparable travel distances.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and a light touch. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its whisper-quiet operation, thanks to its muted sound profile that minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the U4 provides a low-pitched tone that is bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, your choice of board and keycaps will also influence the sound produced by either switch.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its smooth and effortless actuation, providing users with an energetic and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 switch offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump that delivers high feedback intensity. Users can expect a distinct and crisp tactile bump with each keypress, as well as a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation that adds a touch of luxury to the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Salt Ice provides a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and a light touch, the U4 offers a silent operation with a muted sound profile and a sharp tactile bump. Whether you prefer an energetic and responsive typing experience or a quieter and more tactile feel, both switches deliver outstanding performance that will enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light touch with vibrant feedback and a clacky sound profile, the Salt Ice switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump with a plush bottom-out sensation and a whisper quiet sound profile, the U4 switches would be more suitable. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound when making your decision between these two unique options. Ultimately, both switches offer a distinct typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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