Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer unique typing experiences for users to consider. The Crystal Brown switch is a tactile switch, known for its precise and satisfying bump feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is a linear switch, praised for its bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch for effortless actuation. Users looking for a more tactile typing experience may prefer the Crystal Brown, while those seeking a vibrant and responsive typing experience may lean towards the Salt Ice. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Jerrzi Salt Ice have similar top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This means that when it comes to sound characteristics, these switches will likely produce comparable results. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Crystal Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Salt Ice uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing a clear and resonant sound profile similar to its top housing material.
The use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch results in a split of the qualities each material brings to the overall sound and feel of the switch. In the case of the Crystal Brown, the nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing will impact the sound when releasing a key, maintaining a sharper and crisper sound profile. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top and bottom housing combination will work together to provide a consistent high-pitched sound profile both when pressing down and releasing keys.
Overall, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials that cater to different preferences in typing experience. While the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate housing provides a consistent high-pitched and clear tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial keypress. However, the Crystal Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Salt Ice switch is unknown, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of overall pressure needed for typing. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice switch may be more suitable due to the unknown bottom out force. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. A longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for some users who prefer a deeper actuation feel, while a shorter travel distance can lead to quicker response times, which is favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and actuation feel.
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 Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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 Crystal Brown switch is known for its smooth and tactile feel, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch offers a smooth and linear typing experience, with no tactile feedback but a consistent actuation force throughout. The Crystal Brown switch may offer a more pronounced feedback, while the Salt Ice switch provides a smoother and more effortless typing experience.
Overall, when comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a tactile switch with a noticeable bump and feedback, the Crystal Brown may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Salt Ice switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer high-quality performance, and depending on your preferences, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel with either option. Consider trying out both switches to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and are focused on the typing experience, the Outemu Crystal Brown switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a bright and clacky feel, along with effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches would be the ideal option. Consider your typing preferences and desired experience when choosing between these two switches to enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between Outemu Crystal Brown and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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