Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky feedback, making it a great choice for users seeking a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out with its innovative internal design, providing a smooth and engaging typing sensation with a distinctive "matte" feel. While the Salt Ice switch offers a light touch and vibrant feedback, the Venus switch promises rapid and effortless typing with a muted sound signature. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Salt Ice and TTC Venus both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate when using RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Venus's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience compared to the Salt Ice.
While the Salt Ice and Venus both utilize polycarbonate for their bottom housings, they share the same characteristics in creating a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonant qualities of the switch, providing a satisfying typing experience. The translucency of the material also complements the RGB lighting feature present in both switches. However, the Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing offers the same benefits but with the added depth and muted sound profile characteristic of POM material used in the top housing.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of switches can impact the sound and feel differently. The bottom housing material tends to have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. As such, the Salt Ice and Venus showcase how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with each material offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice and TTC Venus linear switches both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Salt Ice has an unknown value while the Venus has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. This means that while both switches have the same actuation force, the Venus switch requires a slightly heavier force to fully press the key compared to the Salt Ice switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions with less strain. On the other hand, the Venus switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. 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, which is shorter than the 3.8 mm travel distance of the TTC Venus linear switch. This means that the Salt Ice offers a quicker response time compared to the Venus. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the Salt Ice due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Venus linear switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may suit those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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 is well-known for its bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with a vibrant feedback and a noticeable sound with each key press. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch offers a more muted and subdued sound signature, thanks to its low-pitched and thocky attributes. The Venus switch creates a softer and quieter typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more discreet sound profile. Overall, while the Salt Ice switch offers a livelier and more energetic typing experience in terms of sound, the Venus switch provides a more calming and subdued auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is recognized for its light touch and effortless actuation, giving users a smooth and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Venus linear switch boasts a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, providing a seamless and engaging key press that is reminiscent of biting into a chewy mochi or tapioca pearl. The Venus switch offers a unique "matte" sensation, ensuring that each key press is both smooth and satisfying. While the Salt Ice switch focuses on a light and responsive typing experience, the Venus switch emphasizes a more fluid and engaging keystroke with a polished finish.
Taking into consideration both the sound and feel qualities of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Salt Ice switch offers a vibrant and clacky sound with a light and responsive feel, perfect for users seeking an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Venus switch provides a more muted and calming sound profile with a buttery and frictionless feel, ideal for those who appreciate a smooth and engaging typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to a variety of user preferences, providing similar results in terms of performance and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch or the TTC Venus linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch, along with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Salt Ice switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth and engaging typing experience with a light actuation and unique "Q-texture" design, the TTC Venus switch could be more suited to your taste. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a more subdued and muted sound profile, the Venus switch would be the better option compared to the potentially louder Salt Ice switch. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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