Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, comparing options like the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Yunhai can significantly impact your typing experience. The Salt Ice switches are renowned for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, delivering an energetic feel with their light touch and vibrant feedback, making them ideal for users who appreciate a responsive and lively typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switches cater to those who prefer a gentler touch, featuring a deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly light actuation force that provide a smooth, effortless feel—a perfect match for typists who value a more subdued yet satisfying auditory experience. While both switches fall under the linear category, their unique characteristics can cater to differing preferences in sound and touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the TTC Yunhai reveals distinctive characteristics that affect their sound profiles and overall performance. The Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, producing a sound profile that is notably sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity. In addition, its translucency allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice. Conversely, the Yunhai opts for nylon in both its top and bottom housings, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a rounder and less pronounced auditory experience compared to the Salt Ice, highlighting the contrasting acoustic properties of these materials.

When examining the bottom housings specifically, the differences between polycarbonate and nylon become even more pronounced. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice maintains its signature sharpness and clarity, ensuring that the bottom-out sound remains prominently crisp. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Yunhai fosters a thicker and more muted sound characteristic, dampening some of the clarity found in its polycarbonate counterpart. Consequently, each switch offers a different tactile and auditory experience based on the material composition of the bottom housing, which significantly influences the sensation when bottoming out.

Ultimately, the variations in sound profiles between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and TTC Yunhai can be attributed to their choice of materials. While both switches utilize reliable and classic housing materials, the polycarbonate of the Salt Ice creates a brighter sound, ideal for RGB setups, while the nylon of the Yunhai ensures a warmer, fuller auditory experience. Despite these differences, it's crucial to recognize that if both top and bottom housings were the same, you would achieve a consistent sound profile, drawn from the reliable attributes of either polycarbonate or nylon. This unification of housing materials would lead to predictable results and similar playstyles, offering users the ability to choose based on preference rather than material outcomes.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we can see some key differences. The Salt Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Yunhai switch's actuation force of 42 grams. This means that for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Salt Ice might offer that heavier push feel they prefer. However, the Salt Ice lacks a specified bottom out force, so we cannot make a direct comparison there. In contrast, the Yunhai has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a firmer press to fully engage the switch. Consequently, while the Salt Ice switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, the Yunhai switch is characterized by a lighter actuation force with a defined bottom out resistance. Overall, the Salt Ice might be better suited for users seeking a stronger push feel, whereas the Yunhai's lighter actuation could benefit those looking for a more effortless typing experience.

Travel distance

The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that users of the Salt Ice switch may experience a quicker actuation, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times. In contrast, the Yunhai switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for its satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual user preference: those favoring responsiveness would likely lean towards the Jerrzi Salt Ice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper keypress may opt for the TTC Yunhai.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile, contributing to an energetic auditory experience that can energize typing sessions. This vibrant sound adds a playful essence to the tactile interaction, making each keystroke feel lively. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is recognized for its deep, rounded sound profile, offering a more muted acoustic experience that contrasts sharply with the Salt Ice. The deeper tones of the Yunhai contribute to a calming and smooth typing environment, catering to users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Ultimately, the sound quality of both switches can vary based on the specific keyboard construction and keycap materials used.

When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switch stands out for its vibrant feedback paired with a light touch, providing an effortlessly responsive typing experience that allows for swift actuation. This spirited engagement can enhance both typing speed and enjoyment, as users can feel the energy transfer with each keystroke. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switch is designed for an incredibly light actuation force, resulting in a gentle touch that emphasizes comfort and ease during long typing sessions. This effortless feel makes the Yunhai appealing for typists who seek a highly forgiving experience, allowing for less fatigue over time. While both switches aim for a light touch, the Salt Ice focuses on an engaging and spirited experience, whereas the Yunhai leans towards a smoother and more relaxed feel.

In conclusion, while both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and TTC Yunhai linear switches provide a light actuation force, they diverge significantly in both sound and tactile feedback. The Salt Ice switches deliver a bright and lively auditory experience with a responsive feel, suitable for typists seeking an energetic interaction. In contrast, the Yunhai switches favor a deeper, more rounded sound combined with an extremely gentle actuation that prioritizes comfort, making them ideal for users desiring a more relaxed typing environment. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend largely on your personal preferences regarding sound profile and typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches and TTC Yunhai linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you seek an energetic and lively feel, characterized by bright and clacky sounds that enhance your typing rhythm, the Salt Ice switches will serve you well. They provide a responsive actuation that makes typing feel effortless, fitting for users who thrive on a high-octane experience, whether for gaming or creative typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and refined typing experience, the Yunhai switches may be the better option. Their deep, rounded sound profile and light actuation force cater to those who want a gentle, quiet typing experience that is easy on the fingers, making them great for long typing sessions or a more tranquil workspace. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you desire an exciting tactile feedback or a smooth, soft touch—both switches have their strengths, so consider what best matches your needs and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more