Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique advantages tailored to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out for its lightning-fast responsiveness, shorter travel distance, and budget-friendly price, making it a top choice for gamers looking for an edge in competitive gameplay. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, effortless actuation, and vibrant feedback, appealing to users seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that users can expect a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile from both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing experience for users. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. In contrast, the Salt Ice maintains a consistent polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housing, ensuring a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
Despite the slight difference in bottom housing material between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Salt Ice, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches provides a clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate adds a visually appealing element to the switches, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Ultimately, users looking for a switch with a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile may prefer the Salt Ice, while those seeking a deeper and fuller sound may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the choice of housing material in switches can significantly impact sound and feel. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of the switches mean that users will notice a difference in sound when pressing down on the keys versus releasing them. While the Nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver may provide a more satisfying bottom-out sound and feel, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches will influence the sound when keys are released. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Jerrzi Salt Ice will come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more conducive to longer typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. The Salt Ice, on the other hand, offers a more substantial typing experience due to the lack of available information on its bottom out force. Ultimately, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a lighter typing experience, while the Salt Ice may offer a heavier and more tactile feel when typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of tactile feedback and keypress feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear experience, with no discernible difference in the travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky characteristics, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is unavailable. Sound is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth, fluid, and uniform typing experience. This indicates that users can expect a seamless and effortless sensation while typing on these switches. Unfortunately, details on the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch are not provided, making it challenging to compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch stands out for its exceptional gaming performance, shorter travel distance, and vibrant lighting features, making it a budget-friendly option for gamers seeking enhanced responsiveness and aesthetics. The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, on the other hand, boasts bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch for users looking for an energetic and responsive typing experience. While the sound and feel of the two switches differ based on the available information, users can expect similar results in terms of performance and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Jerrzi Salt Ice will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides lightning-fast responsiveness, vibrant RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch for a more energetic and responsive typing experience, the Salt Ice switch would be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for key feel, sound profile, and overall gaming or typing experience.