Jerrzi Coral vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders come to mind: the Jerrzi Coral switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. The Coral switch is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, which strikes a remarkable balance between nuanced sophistication and stellar performance, offering a silky typing experience that delights with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a medium-weight all-POM switch, stands out with its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, making it an excellent choice for those who value both auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction while typing. While both switches fall into the linear category, appealing to users who prefer a smooth keystroke without the tactile bumps of other switch types, they offer different auditory and sensory experiences that may cater to various preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs!

By the numbers

Jerrzi Coral Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a notable distinction emerges between the top materials used in the switches. The Coral features a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This inherent stiffness allows for a more clear and resonant sound when the key is released, especially beneficial for users who appreciate the aesthetic of RGB lighting, as the translucent qualities of polycarbonate enhance visibility. In contrast, the top housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie is made from POM, a material known for creating a deeper, more muted sound. While each material contributes uniquely to the auditory experience, the Coral’s polycarbonate top provides a vibrant sound that appeals to different preferences compared to the more subdued notes of the Sea Salt Smoothie.

In terms of bottom housing, both switches incorporate POM, which leads to a shared characteristic in the nature of the bottom-out sound. While the Coral’s nylon bottom housing delivers a full and deeper sound, offering a rounder feel upon keypresses, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom maintains a similarly muted depth. The POM used by both housing types effectively absorbs sound and promotes a unique auditory quality, contributing to an overall pleasant user experience. The choice of POM for both switches ultimately results in a consistency in the tactile feel and bottom-out noise, aligning them closely in terms of performance, even if their top housings deliver different sound signatures when the keys are released.

The interaction of the different materials used in the Coral and Sea Salt Smoothie leads to diverse outcomes in terms of sound and feel. With the polycarbonate top of the Coral contrasting against the Nylon bottom, the switch excels in providing nuanced auditory dynamics, making the sound clearer upon key release while maintaining a deep feel during a press. Conversely, the harmonious pairing of similar POM materials in the Sea Salt Smoothie results in a more uniform auditory profile throughout its use; however, the deeper sound upon pressing is consistent with both switches due to their shared bottom housing component. Thus, despite their differences, users can achieve favorable results in overall performance, aligning tactile satisfaction and sound quality, depending on the specific sound characteristics they desire from their typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we see a distinction in actuation force. The Coral switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Regarding bottom out forces, both switches currently have this measurement as unknown, so we cannot draw a comparison there. However, based on their actuation forces alone, the Coral would provide a lighter touch, ideal for those favoring ease of use, while the Sea Salt Smoothie caters to those who like a firmer push.

Travel distance

The Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience the same distance before reaching the bottom. This equality in travel distance ensures that the feel and responsiveness of both switches are similar, providing an identical tactile experience during use. As a result, users looking for keyboards featuring either switch can expect comparable performance when it comes to key actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch features a low-pitched resonance, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This characteristic makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer a softer auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie leverages a thocky sound profile that is often favored for its richer and deeper auditory feedback. While the Coral offers a distinctively crisp sound, both switches will provide a pleasant acoustic experience, though the Coral's tone may feel more gentle compared to the more pronounced thock of the Smoothie.

Regarding the feel, the Coral switch is renowned for its silky typing experience, which enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance during keystrokes. This feature leads to a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who desire a fluid feel while typing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, while not specifically described in terms of feel, is known for its exceptional smoothness, a quality that aligns closely with the Coral's silky nature. Therefore, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches, though the Coral offers that extra touch of smooth refinement.

In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both cater to different preferences while maintaining some similarities. The Coral edges out in terms of a low-pitched, crisp sound, while the Smoothie provides a thocky auditory experience. In the realm of feel, the Coral's silky smoothness complements the Sea Salt Smoothie's smooth typing experience, making either choice a solid option for newcomers exploring linear switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a softer auditory experience or the pronounced thock while enjoying a smooth, pleasurable typing feel from both switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, the decision between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you value in a switch. If you seek a typing experience that exudes sophistication with a distinctively low-pitched sound and silky smooth feel, the Coral switch is likely the ideal choice for you. Its unique qualities will make each keystroke a delightful experience, perfect for those who prioritize finesse and a refined auditory experience in their mechanical keyboard setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a more medium-weight switch that provides exceptional smoothness alongside a satisfying thocky sound profile without breaking the bank, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be more suited to your needs. It offers a balance of quality and affordability, making it a fantastic option for gamers and typists alike who appreciate both smoothness and audible feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your own typing style and what sensations you enjoy most while using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Coral Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more