Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you are faced with a decision that boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Salt Ice switch stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics, perfect for those who enjoy a light touch and want a vibrant and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile along with pronounced tactility, striking a balance between providing satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall.
In terms of housing materials, the key difference between the Salt Ice and the Viola Tricolor switches lies in their bottom housings. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing continues this trend for a consistent sound profile. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This split in housing materials allows each switch to have a unique sound profile that combines the best qualities of both materials.
Overall, despite their differences in housing materials, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a unique sound experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a clear and resonant sound, with a sharper and higher-pitched profile. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor provides a deeper sound that is fuller and more rounded compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice. Ultimately, whether you prefer a sharper sound with the Salt Ice or a deeper sound with the Viola Tricolor, both switches offer high-quality construction and a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unavailable. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice may be more suitable due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Viola Tricolor with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their own strengths, with the Salt Ice offering a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, and the Viola Tricolor providing a more tactile and substantial typing experience. 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 a shorter option compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. For those who prefer a quicker response time and enjoy a shorter travel distance, the Salt Ice would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key may find the Viola Tricolor more suitable due to its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different feel when typing due to their respective travel distances, but ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference as to which one would provide a more satisfying typing 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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, creating a lively and energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a distinct character to typing sessions without being overly tactile. Both switches provide unique sound profiles, with the Salt Ice leaning towards a brighter and more energetic tone, while the Viola Tricolor offers a deeper and richer sound with its bassy and low-pitched characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is praised for its light touch and effortless actuation, providing users with responsive feedback. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch strikes a perfect balance between tactility and smoothness, offering a satisfying feedback without being overly harsh. The Viola Tricolor's accented and invigorating feel creates a medium tactile experience that is immersive without being overwhelming, while the Salt Ice focuses on a smooth typing experience with a light touch.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch each offer a unique typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the Salt Ice is known for its bright and clacky sound profile coupled with a light touch, the Viola Tricolor provides a thuddy and punchy sound with a pronounced tactility. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a livelier sound and light touch or a deeper sound and balanced tactility. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a newcomer looking to choose between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Salt Ice switch if you prefer a light touch with bright and clacky characteristics, providing an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, select the Viola Tricolor switch if you want a medium-heavy tactile switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile without being overly tactile, striking a perfect balance of sharp sensation and satisfying feedback. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your preference for typing experience, whether you lean towards the vibrant and effortless actuation of the Salt Ice or the pronounced tactility and character of the Viola Tricolor.
Mentioned in this article
