Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Wuque Studio WS POM+
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often gravitate towards the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, both linear options that offer distinct experiences. The Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a lively feedback and effortless actuation that many users enjoy during fast-paced typing sessions. Conversely, the WS POM+ switches are crafted entirely from POM material and are known for their deep, satisfying "thock" sound and buttery-smooth keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a more muted yet rich tactile experience. While the Salt Ice may be the ideal choice for users seeking energetic and responsive performance, the WS POM+ caters to those who prioritize an elegant and smooth typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Wuque Studio WS POM+, it is evident that they offer distinct acoustic profiles due to their differing compositions. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's inherent stiffness allows for enhanced resonance, making it particularly effective for achieving vibrant acoustic results. Its translucency also means that it pairs exceptionally well with RGB lighting, enabling visually arresting effects in illuminated keyboards. In contrast, the WS POM+ utilizes a POM top housing, which lends itself to a deeper, more muted sound profile. This characteristic creates a unique auditory experience that diverges from the brightness produced by polycarbonate, appealing to users who favor a more subdued sound.
The bottom housings of these two switches further highlight their contrasting characteristics. The Salt Ice’s polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors its top counterpart, providing a consistent sharper and crisper sound throughout the key's travel. This duality in sound profile, with both the top and bottom housing made of polycarbonate, means that the overall auditory output is defined by the heightened clarity and resonance of this material. Conversely, the WS POM+ adopts POM for its bottom housing as well, which continues to promote that distinctly deeper sound associated with POM materials. The resulting muted sound profile emphasizes a more controlled auditory experience, contributing to a distinct tactile feel when bottoming out.
Ultimately, while both switches utilize differing materials in their top and bottom housings, the relationship between these components plays a crucial role in defining their overall performance. The sharper sound associated with the Salt Ice's polycarbonate remains consistent, as both housing pieces contribute to this sound profile. In contrast, the WS POM+ blends its unique sound characteristics by pairing POM in both top and bottom housings, resulting in an auditory experience that is more harmonious but less crisp. If users are seeking a similar sound experience to the Salt Ice while using the WS POM+, they might need to consider modifications such as altering keycaps or switch springs, which could adjust the overall sound and feel to accommodate their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, both switches feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will require the same amount of effort to trigger a keystroke, which could result in similar typing experiences for users. However, the WS POM+ distinguishes itself with a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that it requires a notably heavier force to press the key all the way down compared to the Salt Ice, for which the bottom out force is unknown. This difference suggests that users may find the WS POM+ offers a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which some might prefer for tactile reassurance, while others may favor the lighter experience of the Salt Ice, making it potentially better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. Overall, while both switches are equal in actuation force, the WS POM+ offers a heavier push feel overall due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch, the Salt Ice has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS POM+ measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the WS POM+ provides a slightly longer travel distance, which might be preferred by those who favor a more substantial keypress experience. Both switches exist within the spectrum of modern preferences, but if you’re looking for a balance between responsiveness and a satisfying depth, the WS POM+ would be the option to consider.
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 POM+ comes in at $3.90 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 switch is characterized by its exceptionally bright and clacky auditory profile, delivering a sharp and crisp sound with each keystroke. This energetic signature is perfect for users who thrive on auditory feedback as they type. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS POM+ switch offers a deeper, more profound "thock" sound that many users find satisfying and rich. The contrast between these two switches highlights different preferences in sound characteristics: the Salt Ice caters to those who enjoy a lively, clanging noise, while the WS POM+ appeals to those who prefer a more muted, thudding experience. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that the overall sound can still be influenced by the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Salt Ice switches boast a light touch and exceptionally vibrant feedback, providing effortless actuation that can make typing feel almost weightless. This feature is especially appealing for users who favor a responsive typing experience where keystrokes are triggered with minimal force. Conversely, the WS POM+ is known for its buttery-smooth keystrokes, providing a gliding sensation as fingers move between keys. This smoothness contributes to a more controlled typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged usage without fatigue. While both switches deliver pleasurable tactile sensations, their approaches cater to different typing styles—the Salt Ice prioritizes lively responsiveness, whereas the WS POM+ focuses on silky smoothness.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited to varying preferences. The Salt Ice offers a lively, clacky sound and a light touch that fosters an energetic typing atmosphere, while the WS POM+ provides a satisfying thock and a buttery-smooth keystroke for users who appreciate a more controlled and plush feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, though they do so in uniquely different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS POM+ linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a vibrant and energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switch is an excellent option. Its light touch and bright, clacky feedback make it ideal for those who appreciate an engaging feel and response during fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you seek a more refined and understated keystroke, the WS POM+ switch might be the better choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force and deep "thock" sound signature provide a satisfying tactile experience, especially for typing tasks that require longer periods of use, as the smooth actuation reduces fatigue. Both switches cater to distinct sensitivities and use cases; therefore, you should consider your typing style and sound preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, either switch can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience, depending on what you prioritize in sound and feel.
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