Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it becomes clear that both options offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice switches are praised for their bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches are known for their deep and thocky sound profile, offering a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Salt Ice switch is best suited for those who prefer a light touch and responsive typing, the Tourmaline Blue switch strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches due to polycarbonate's stiffness that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for stunning RGB lighting effects in both switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetic features when using either the Salt Ice or the Tourmaline Blue.
However, the use of different housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will play a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. This means that even though the Salt Ice and the Tourmaline Blue share the same polycarbonate material for both housing components, the design and construction of each switch may result in slightly different typing experiences based on how the materials interact with each other during key presses.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate for their housing materials, the positioning of these materials within the switches may lead to nuanced differences in typing experiences. The clear and resonant sound profile created by polycarbonate is consistent across both switches, but how this sound is perceived during key presses and releases may vary slightly. Overall, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics, but the subtle differences in housing construction may create unique typing sensations between the Salt Ice and the Tourmaline Blue.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which requires 59 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue is heavier at 67 grams, while the Salt Ice force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Salt Ice switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier Tourmaline Blue switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Salt Ice switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches have their strengths depending on personal preference, with the Salt Ice being the shorter option and the Tourmaline Blue offering a bit more depth in travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing style and desired 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is best known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a satisfying typing experience with its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Salt Ice delivers a energetic and responsive sound, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with a more immersive and bouncy feel, making it accessible and enjoyable to a wider range of users.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its light touch, but specific details about its feel are not provided in the information. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Additionally, the Tourmaline Blue is noted for being easy-to-press, offering minimal resistance during key presses for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Furthermore, the Tourmaline Blue is described as having mild characteristics, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, while both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The Salt Ice switch excels in providing a clacky sound and light touch, while the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep sound profile and a buttery feel. Depending on whether the user prefers a more energetic and responsive typing experience or a bouncy and immersive feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit with slightly different qualities. Ultimately, users can expect a pleasant typing experience with either switch, tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a bright and clacky switch with vibrant feedback and light actuation, the Salt Ice may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. Consider trying both to see which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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