Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for. The Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch and vibrant feedback for a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Ts combine thockiness with sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback for auditory and tactile satisfaction with each keystroke. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gazzew U4T provide different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate top and bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both materials contribute to the overall sound of the switch, the polycarbonate in the Salt Ice emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Gazzew blend in the U4T focuses on depth and richness.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Salt Ice and the U4T also differ. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. This allows for a visually appealing lighting effect that enhances the overall look of the switch. On the other hand, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend housing does not offer the same translucency, but instead provides a unique visual appeal with its soft and rich texture, often referred to as "boba plastic." Both materials offer their own distinct visual appeal that can complement different keyboard designs and preferences.
While the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gazzew U4T offer unique characteristics, they ultimately work together to create a well-rounded sound experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether it be the sharper, crisper sound profile of the polycarbonate in the Salt Ice or the rich, deep sound profile of the Gazzew blend in the U4T, both materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of the switch. By understanding the qualities that each housing material brings, users can customize and tailor their keyboard setup to achieve their desired sound and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the U4T has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown. This means that the Salt Ice may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the U4T may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push force. 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, making it slightly shorter than the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the U4T offers a slightly longer key press distance compared to the Salt Ice. While both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, the slight difference might be noticeable to users who are sensitive to key press depth. Gamers seeking a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press depth may opt for the U4T. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and how each individual user responds to different 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 U4T 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 Salt Ice switches are often praised for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with a satisfying auditory experience that is energetic and responsive. On the other hand, the U4T switches are known for their bassy 'thock' sound profile, offering a deeper and more assertive sound with each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Salt Ice being more bright and clacky, while the U4T delivers a deeper and richer sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Salt Ice switches are noted for their light touch and vibrant feedback, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable. Conversely, the U4T switches are characterized by a sharp tactile bump, providing users with a strong and crisp feedback intensity that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. While the Salt Ice offers a lighter touch and more effortless actuation, the U4T delivers a more pronounced tactile feedback experience.
Overall, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Salt Ice excels in providing a bright and clacky auditory experience with a light touch, while the U4T shines with its bassy 'thock' sound profile and sharp tactile bump. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a vibrant and clacky sound profile or a bassy and tactile feedback experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing feel with a light touch, the Salt Ice may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a harmonious blend of thockiness and sharp tactility, the U4T could be more suited to your preferences. The Salt Ice provides an energetic and responsive typing experience, while the U4T offers auditory and tactile satisfaction with its bassy thock sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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