Gateron CJ vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CJ and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique and appealing features. The Gateron CJ stands out for its smooth push feel and higher-pitched clacks, providing a distinctive typing experience categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', and 'Thocky'. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches boast exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch, offering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a lively and responsive typing experience. While the CJ excels in its smoothness and unique sound, the Salt Ice shines with its bright feedback and energetic feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CJ and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature unique top housings that contribute to their sound profiles. The CJ's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both housing materials affect the overall sound quality of the switches in a noticeable way. The CJ provides a more pointed and high-pitched sound, whereas the Salt Ice offers a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of bottom housings, the CJ's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound, adding a unique touch to the overall sound profile of the switch. Conversely, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the materials may differ, both bottom housings play a significant role in shaping the sound characteristics of the switches. The CJ's POM bottom housing lends a deeper tone, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a clearer and resonant sound profile.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches greatly impacts the sound and feel of typing. Whether it's the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Gateron CJ or the polycarbonate top housing of the Jerrzi Salt Ice, each material brings its own unique qualities to the switches. While the CJ and the Salt Ice may have differences in their housing materials, both switches offer a premium typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches, providing users with a variety of options to suit their typing style and preferences.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's 45 grams, making the CJ switch a bit more resistant to accidental keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the CJ switch requires 60 grams of force to fully press down, while the Salt Ice switch's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, but the CJ switch may offer a slightly more substantial typing feel due to its higher bottom out force. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Salt Ice switch with its lighter actuation force may be the better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ 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 CJ linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice switch. Generally, a longer travel distance provides a more satisfying and tactile typing experience, as it allows for more keypress depth. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance, such as the one offered by the Salt Ice switch, is preferred by gamers for its quicker response times. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, so it comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 CJ linear switch offers a chirpy and neutral profile, with a slightly higher pitch compared to other switches. This unique acoustic signature sets them apart and provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, which is sure to make typing sessions engaging and energizing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the CJ leaning towards a chirpy and neutral tone, while the Salt Ice provides a vibrant and lively feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, with a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as they fall in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of typing feedback. Unfortunately, information on the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is not provided, but based on the description of its bright and clacky characteristics, it can be inferred that they provide a light and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron CJ linear switch excels in offering a unique and enjoyable typing experience with a higher-pitched sound and a smooth push feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound profile and light touch. Both switches have their own strengths and are suited for users looking for different qualities in their typing experience. Whether you prefer a smoother, higher-pitched sound with a mild feel or a bright, clacky sound with a light touch, both the Gateron CJ and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a unique and smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force and higher-pitched clacks, the CJ switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more vibrant and clacky typing experience with a light touch and bright feedback, the Salt Ice switch could be the better choice for you. Consider your desired sound, feel, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience in different ways. Choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing habits.
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