Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Durock White Lotus offer distinct typing experiences worth exploring. The Jerrzi Salt Ice is a linear switch known for its bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed for discerning typists, offering a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions. While the Salt Ice switch's energetic and responsive typing experience may appeal to some users, the White Lotus switch's tranquil typing experience and captivating RGB lighting effects may be more appealing for others. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Durock White Lotus switches both offer unique qualities and characteristics. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, providing a unique and premium feel to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate, similar to its top housing. This creates a consistent sound profile throughout the switch, with a sharp and crisp tone. The Durock White Lotus, however, features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate material.
Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the Salt Ice features a consistent and sharp sound profile with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the Durock White Lotus provides a unique feel and sound with its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing combination. Both switches offer high-quality construction and design, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the Salt Ice is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams, compared to the White Lotus at 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the White Lotus is higher at 56 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown. Due to the similarities in actuation force, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes with both switches. Consideration of weight is essential as lighter switches like the Salt Ice are suited for extended typing periods, making them ideal for work or gaming purposes. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the White Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing pressure and key feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Salt Ice offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, ideal for gamers looking for fast input speed. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides a deeper feeling with its longer travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference, with the Salt Ice being the shorter option and the White Lotus being the longer option in terms of travel distance.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, creating a vibrant and energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches feature a low-pitched sound profile, offering a more soothing and mellow tone that is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Salt Ice being more lively and the White Lotus being more calm and neutral in comparison.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are praised for their light touch and effortless actuation, providing users with a responsive and smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Durock White Lotus switches are described as easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the White Lotus switches have a subtle tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing feel without being overwhelming. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, with the Salt Ice offering a lighter touch and the White Lotus offering a more subtle tactile response.
Overall, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Salt Ice switches provide a lively and clacky typing experience with a light touch, while the White Lotus switches offer a low-pitched sound and a gentle tactile feedback for a more tranquil typing experience. Both switches are suitable for users seeking a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch, with the choice between the two depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a lively and responsive typing experience with bright feedback and effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate tactile option with a perfect balance of tactility for extended typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is the ideal choice. Consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard when deciding between these two switches. Whether you prioritize energetic responsiveness or tranquil typing with luminous RGB lighting effects, both the Salt Ice and White Lotus switches offer unique qualities to enhance your keyboard setup. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you aim to achieve.
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