Outemu Lotus vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lotus and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Lotus and Jerrzi Salt Ice are two popular options to consider. The Lotus is known for its None, offering a smooth linear feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are beloved for their vibrant feedback and light touch, providing a bright and clacky typing experience. While the Lotus may appeal to those looking for a more traditional linear switch, the Salt Ice stands out for users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. 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
35g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The Outemu Lotus and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Lotus features a nylon top and bottom housing, giving it a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While the Lotus offers a duller and rounder sound, the Salt Ice provides a more clear and resonant sound, catering to different preferences in sound characteristics.
Despite their differences, both the Outemu Lotus and the Jerrzi Salt Ice share the use of transparent housing materials. The Lotus's nylon top and bottom housing and the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top and bottom housing feature a clear design, making them suitable for use with RGB lighting. This translucency allows for customizable lighting effects that enhance the overall aesthetics of the switches. While the Lotus's nylon material may create a deeper sound profile, and the Salt Ice's polycarbonate material may produce a sharper sound, their similar clear housing design ensures a visually appealing and vibrant experience for users.
In terms of functionality, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. The characteristics of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the qualities of both materials. Whether choosing the Lotus with its nylon housing or the Salt Ice with its polycarbonate housing, users can enjoy a tailored sound profile that matches their preferences and typing style.
Weight
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Lotus is also lighter at 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch when typing, the Lotus may be the better option, as it requires less force to activate. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Salt Ice switch may be more appealing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing and gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers typically prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Lotus a popular choice in that regard. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Lotus to be too abrupt, making the slightly longer travel distance of the Salt Ice a more comfortable option for them. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Lotus 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 Outemu Lotus linear switch and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lotus switch does not have a distinct reputation for sound and feel, while the Salt Ice switch is praised for its bright and clacky sound and light touch, providing a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. When it comes to sound, the Lotus switch may provide a more subtle and quiet typing experience compared to the energetic and clacky sound of the Salt Ice switch. In terms of feel, the Lotus switch's tactile feedback and actuation characteristics remain unknown, while the Salt Ice switch is known for its light touch that complements the bright and clacky sound it produces. Overall, users seeking a quieter and more subtle typing experience may prefer the Outemu Lotus switch, while those looking for a more vibrant and responsive typing experience may lean towards the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Lotus linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you are seeking. If you prefer a light bottom out force and are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bright and clacky typing sound, along with an effortless actuation and vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice switch would be a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features are most important to you and what type of typing experience you prefer.
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