Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch. The Salt Ice switch is praised for its bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch and vibrant feedback that provides an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Light Tactile switch is known for its smoothness, with a snappy and perceptible tactile bump that also boasts a neutral sound signature. While the Salt Ice switch offers a more tactile typing experience, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a smoother typing experience with a more subdued sound. 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
50g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for incorporating RGB lighting into the switches. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Salt Ice uses polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, while the WS Light Tactile opts for nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the clearer and more resonant sound profile of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Salt Ice.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the contrasting bottom housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice contributes to a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys, emphasizing the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the softer nylon bottom housing of the WS Light Tactile absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile are identical, their choice of bottom housing materials offers distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The split between the bottom and top housing materials affects the keypress and release sounds differently, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right combination of materials for a desired sound profile. Whether opting for the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings like the Salt Ice, or the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon in the bottom housing like the WS Light Tactile, users can customize their typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Salt Ice switch has an unknown value while the WS Light Tactile switch has a lighter force of 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the WS Light Tactile switch would be the better choice as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Salt Ice switch may not provide the same level of resistance during bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Salt Ice offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers might prefer the Salt Ice for its faster actuation, while those who enjoy a more deliberate key press may be drawn to the WS Light Tactile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel and response time.
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 Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile comes in at $4.20 per 10 switches.
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 vibrant feedback that adds to the typing experience. In comparison, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of users and purposes. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so it's important to consider these elements when choosing a switch for your setup.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is praised for its light touch and effortless actuation, providing a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is described as having a stepped feel, offering a subtle tactile bump with easy-to-press keys that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it a comfortable option for those who prefer a gentle typing experience.
Overall, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Salt Ice switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a light touch, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with a stepped feel and easy-to-press keys. Depending on your typing style and preferences, you can achieve a similar level of satisfaction with either switch, as both offer unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a vibrant and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is the way to go. The Salt Ice switches offer exceptional brightness and feedback, making them ideal for users seeking an energetic and responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and snappy tactile bump with a neutral sound signature, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile tactile switch is the better choice. These switches provide a moderate actuation force and a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a bright and clacky typing experience or a smooth and tactile one.
Mentioned in this article
