Durock Piano vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, we see two unique options for users looking for a linear switch experience. The Durock Piano stands out for its smooth and creamy typing experience, offering a gliding push feel and deep sound signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, providing vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Piano is best described as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', the Salt Ice lacks clear categorization, allowing for a more versatile appeal. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Durock Piano may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you seek a more energetic and responsive feel while typing, the Jerrzi Salt Ice could be the perfect fit. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the POM blend of the Piano provides a unique sound experience, the polycarbonate of the Salt Ice offers a more clear and resonant sound quality.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Salt Ice share a common feature in their use of translucent materials. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetics of the switch. Similarly, the use of a clear POM blend top housing in the Piano can also offer similar visual appeal if RGB lighting is utilized. This shared characteristic highlights the importance of material choice not only for sound quality but also for the overall design and aesthetic of the switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the sound profile of a switch, it is important to recognize that the top and bottom housings play different roles. The bottom housing tends to have more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when a key is released. Understanding this division of qualities between the top and bottom housings can help users appreciate the unique characteristics and nuances of the sound profiles produced by switches like the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Salt Ice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is clear that the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Salt Ice, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that typing on the Piano switch will require more force to fully press the key down, providing a more substantial typing experience, while the Salt Ice switch will offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches have one force value unknown, but based on the available information, it can be concluded that the Piano is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Salt Ice is lighter in terms of actuation force. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a heavier or lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Piano switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key. This can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers looking for faster response times and a more immediate keypress. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response speed. Both switches provide different options in terms of travel distance, allowing users to customize their typing experience to their liking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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.
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 Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep, bassy sound profile that provides a rich and satisfying auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers a vibrant and clacky sound, adding an energetic and lively element to each keystroke. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, but the choice between the deep bass of the Piano and the bright clack of the Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its frictionless and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keypress that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction. This results in a fluid and seamless typing feel that can enhance overall typing comfort. While the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is unknown, based on its light touch and bright characteristics, it can be inferred that it also provides a smooth and responsive typing experience, making it a viable option for users seeking a more tactile and lively typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Piano and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Whether you prefer the deep and creamy sound of the Piano or the bright and clacky feedback of the Salt Ice, both switches provide distinct characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience. Additionally, with both switches offering smooth and effortless keypresses, you can expect a similar level of typing comfort and satisfaction regardless of which switch you choose. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're looking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a smooth, creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Durock Piano switches with their medium-heavy bottom out force might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a bright, clacky typing experience with a lighter touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and bottom out force in order to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
