Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Outemu Yellow Silver mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Salt Ice is renowned for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch from Outemu is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it a favorable choice for gamers and typists looking for speediness and responsiveness. It is important to note that both switches fall under the linear category. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches feature a top housing made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate adds a visually appealing element to the switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Yellow Silver has a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The bottom housing material can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, particularly during bottom-out moments.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch can greatly influence its sound profile and tactile feel. While both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches benefit from polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, they diverge in their bottom housing materials. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a similar sound profile to its top housing, while the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a different, deeper sound experience. Understanding the role of each housing material can help users customize their keyboard switches to achieve the desired typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches are equal at 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Salt Ice has an unknown amount while the Yellow Silver has a heavier force of 55 grams. This means that while the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches, the Yellow Silver will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Salt Ice may be the better option as it allows for longer typing sessions without as much fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference when it comes to weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find that the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 3.4 mm on the Salt Ice switch offers a quicker and more responsive keypress, making it ideal for gamers seeking fast response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Yellow Silver switch provides a more profound keypress experience, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice catering to those wanting a quicker response, and the longer travel distance of the Yellow Silver appealing to those seeking a more deliberate keypress.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switch offers a light touch, providing users with effortless actuation for a smooth typing experience. Conversely, the Yellow Silver switch features a light actuation force, catering to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. The tactile feel of a switch is crucial in determining the overall typing experience, so choose based on your personal preference and use case.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Outemu Yellow Silver switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. If you value a vibrant and clacky sound with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a light actuation force for quick and responsive typing, the Yellow Silver switch is worth considering. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force and a neutral sound profile that is suitable for both gaming and typing, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch would be more to your liking. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making a decision between these two switches to ensure you get the best mechanical keyboard experience possible.
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