Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between a linear and tactile switch can greatly impact your typing experience. The Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch, is praised for its bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, a tactile switch, offers a medium level of tactility with a light touch and a neutral sound signature, making it a well-balanced option for users. While the Salt Ice excels in providing an energetic and responsive typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro stands out for its Goldilocks-level tactility. 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Salt Ice differs in its bottom housing material, also using polycarbonate, while the Violet Gold Pro utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. The nylon material in the Violet Gold Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing material, the impact of the housing material on the sound and feel of the switch may vary due to the different bottom housing materials used. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice contributes to a clearer sound profile when bottoming out keys, while the nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro creates a duller and rounder sound. When it comes to the housing materials' impact on the typing experience, the choice between stiffer polycarbonate and softer nylon will affect the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the translucent qualities of polycarbonate in their top housing, especially if RGB lighting is used. However, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a different typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Jerrzi Salt Ice. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, influenced by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. Therefore, it can be assumed that the actuation force needed to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, providing a similar typing experience in that aspect. However, the weight is worth considering as the Salt Ice linear switch is lighter, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro tactile switch may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it can be seen that the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular among gamers for their quicker response times. The Salt Ice, being the shorter option, may be preferred by those looking for a more responsive feel, while the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
Both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches offer unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Salt Ice switches provide a bright and clacky sound with a light touch, giving users a lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the sound of the Violet Gold Pro switches is described as neutral, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various typing environments. When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switches do not have a specific descriptor provided, while the Violet Gold Pro switches are described as having a stepped tactile feel, providing a more subtle feedback compared to hyper-tactile switches.
Overall, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you are looking for a switch with a vibrant and clacky sound accompanied by a light touch, the Salt Ice switches may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel for a more balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro switches would be the ideal choice. Remember that the overall typing experience is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and personal preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience based on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch or the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bright and clacky switch with vibrant feedback and minimal resistance, the Salt Ice may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactile switch with a light touch and balanced typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what type of feel and sound you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.