Gateron Aliaz vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your preferences, you may find yourself torn between the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches offer a quiet typing experience tailored for office settings, with a medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches stand out with their bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for an energetic and responsive typing experience. While the Aliaz switch provides a more pronounced typing feedback without the noise, the Salt Ice switch offers vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which creates a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing. These similarities in housing materials ensure that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile.
However, where the Gateron Aliaz and Jerrzi Salt Ice differ is in their overall design and construction. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their housings, other factors such as spring weight, stem design, and overall build quality can impact the feel and sound of the switches. The Aliaz may have a different tactile experience compared to the Salt Ice due to these additional factors, despite sharing the same housing material. It is important to consider these differences when choosing between the two switches for a specific typing preference.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and Jerrzi Salt Ice may come down to personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile with the potential for RGB lighting. It is recommended to test both switches to determine which one suits your typing needs best, considering factors beyond just the housing material. Whether you prefer a certain tactile feel or sound profile, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Aliaz is the heavier of the two with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams. On the other hand, the Salt Ice is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Salt Ice is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Salt Ice switch, as it requires less force to trigger keystrokes. In contrast, the Aliaz switch may be more appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with heavier force requirements. Overall, the weight of a switch plays a significant role in the typing experience, with lighter switches being advantageous for prolonged typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer side of the spectrum. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Aliaz offers a deeper key press experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers for its rapid input capability. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Aliaz offering a longer travel distance for a more deliberate key press, while the Salt Ice provides a shorter travel distance for a faster response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted characteristic, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch doesn't have a specific description for its sound profile, but based on its bright and clacky nature, it can be expected to produce a more pronounced sound during typing. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard enclosure and keycap material chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This makes for a refined and comfortable typing feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. As for the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there isn't a specific description provided for its feel, but given its light touch and vibrant feedback, it can be inferred to offer a responsive and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Aliaz switch excels in providing a quiet and substantial typing experience with its muted sound and silky feel, while the Salt Ice switch stands out with its bright and clacky characteristics, offering an energetic and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, both switches are designed to cater to different user needs and provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy weight and a substantial feel to each keystroke, the Gateron Aliaz switches would be the ideal choice for you, especially in office settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with bright and clacky characteristics, light touch, vibrant feedback, and effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches would be the perfect match for your energetic and responsive typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between Gateron Aliaz and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound, and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard. Choose wisely based on your specific preferences and requirements.
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