Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches both offer unique qualities to consider. The Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switches stand out for their remarkably smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. With a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, these switches offer a different typing experience compared to the Salt Ice. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing that offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials cater to a more distinct sound experience, they differ in their composition and resulting sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Salt Ice uses polycarbonate which also contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material leads to a more clear and resonant sound, impacting the overall feel of the switch. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a POK bottom housing known for its smoothness, durability, and wear resistance. This material choice adds to the clacky and durable characteristics of the switch, enhancing the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Despite their differences, both bottom housings aim to provide a satisfying and consistent typing experience.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials for each switch are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the Salt Ice and Vanilla Ice Cream switches may have different housing materials, they both strive to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience through their individual sound profiles and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter at 48 grams, while the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unknown. This means that the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is lighter overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Salt Ice being potentially better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel while the Vanilla Ice Cream is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. However, there is a slight difference between the two, with the Vanilla Ice Cream switch having a slightly longer travel distance. If you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the press, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and quicker feel, the Salt Ice switch with its slightly shorter travel distance would be ideal. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect to get similar results with either option.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 described as having an exceptionally bright and clacky characteristic, offering users a vibrant feedback and high energy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that stands out from the competition. Both switches provide a unique sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience, but the Salt Ice may lean towards a more energetic and lively sound, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a smoother and possibly more refined auditory sensation. Ultimately, the sound preference would come down to personal taste and the other components used in the keyboard setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is known for its light touch, offering an effortless actuation and responsive typing experience. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch, on the other hand, provides typists with a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of the dessert it's named after. With descriptors like "buttery" and "creamy," users can expect a seamless and silky typing sensation when using the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback that can significantly impact the typing feel, with the Salt Ice potentially leaning towards a quicker and more responsive touch, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a luxurious and smooth keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Salt Ice excels in providing a bright and clacky sound with a light touch feel, perfect for users seeking a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its smooth and creamy feel, coupled with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer the energetic and responsive nature of the Salt Ice or the smooth and luxurious feel of the Vanilla Ice Cream, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a vibrant and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is the way to go. Its bright feedback and effortless actuation make it ideal for users seeking an energetic and responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch is the perfect choice. The use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing provides a unique feel that sets it apart from other switches. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize a bright and clacky typing experience (Salt Ice) or a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched sound profile (Vanilla Ice Cream). Choose wisely based on your preferences and typing style.
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