Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Jerrzi Violet stand out as noteworthy options. The Salt Ice switch boasts exceptional brightness and a clacky feel, making it a linear switch that offers a light touch. On the other hand, the Violet switch is a tactile switch known for its smooth actuation and satisfying tactility, accompanied by a neutral sound signature. While the Salt Ice provides an energetic and responsive typing experience, the Violet offers a balanced and enjoyable feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Jerrzi Violet are quite different when it comes to their bottom housings. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. On the other hand, the Violet has a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
In terms of the top housing, both the Salt Ice and Violet utilize polycarbonate. This material is responsible for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to the clear and resonant sound produced by these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches incorporating RGB lighting. Both the Salt Ice and Violet benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, providing a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Jerrzi Violet primarily lie in their bottom housings. While the Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper and crisper sound, the Violet utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles characterized by sharpness and clarity. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for the specific sound qualities each housing material offers.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. Since the bottom out force is unavailable for comparison, it is difficult to determine which switch is lighter or heavier in terms of how much force is needed to fully press the key. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of 45 grams for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Violet switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch. Typically, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keypress for some users who enjoy deeper feedback when typing. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance like that of the Salt Ice switch may be preferred by gamers or those who prioritize faster response times. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile. The Salt Ice provides a vibrant feedback with an energetic typing experience, while the Violet switch offers a balanced and enjoyable sound signature. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is praised for its light touch and effortless actuation, providing a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch offers a smooth actuation with a pleasingly poppy tactility, characteristic of a stepped tactile switch. This means that the Violet switch provides a more subtle and mild tactile feedback compared to other more pronounced tactile switches.
Overall, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences with their own unique characteristics. The Salt Ice switch excels in providing a bright and clacky typing experience, perfect for users seeking an energetic and responsive feel, while the Violet switch delivers a smoother and more balanced typing experience with a subtle tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that can cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a bright, clacky typing experience with light actuation, the Salt Ice switch is the way to go. Its vibrant feedback and easy actuation make it ideal for those seeking an energetic and responsive feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, poppy tactile switch with a neutral sound profile, the Violet switch is the better choice. Its gentle tactility and balanced typing experience make it suitable for a variety of users and settings. So, whether you prioritize a lively typing experience or a more relaxed one, both switches offer unique characteristics to suit your needs.
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