Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer distinct experiences, both appealing in their own right. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as a budget-friendly option, featuring a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile combined with a bouncy typing feel that makes it enjoyable for long typing sessions. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a polished and creamy sensation while also seeking engaging acoustics. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are renowned for their vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, making them ideal for those who crave a responsive and energetic typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leaning toward a more resonant typing experience, while the Salt Ice focuses on providing a lively and engaging 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
67g
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
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the auditory experience of these switches. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffness allows for a more resonant and clear acoustic quality, which is essential for users who value auditory feedback from their switches. Additionally, because polycarbonate is translucent, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those who want their keyboards to light up in vibrant colors. With similar top housing materials, both switches are poised to provide a crisp and engaging typing experience.
In contrast, the two switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, replicating the sharp and crisp sound profile characteristic of its top housing. This combination creates a unique auditory effect, mixing the higher-pitched tones from the top and bottom housing in the Salt Ice, unlike the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, which distinguishes its sound through the contrasting properties of nylon.
When considering the overall impact of the two switches, the differing bottom housing materials play a key role in shaping the user experience. In the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the nylon bottom housing lends a certain warmth and depth to the typing experience, particularly upon bottoming out. It serves to soften the sound and create a more rounded feel. Conversely, the Salt Ice’s polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp auditory characteristics found in its top housing. Therefore, while both switches leverage polycarbonate for the top housing to achieve a similar auditory clarity, the nylon and polycarbonate combinations in their respective bottom housings lead to differing auditory profiles—resulting in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow providing a more subdued sound and feel, while the Salt Ice maintains a consistently crisp output throughout the keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there's a notable difference in the actuation force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that offers a firmer feel, beneficial for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it a better choice for those who favor comfort during prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unknown, which leaves the comparison unfinished in that area. For the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the bottom out force is 67 grams, indicating that it provides a more defined resistance when pressing keys down all the way. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier option while the Salt Ice is lighter, with users likely to experience a different typing sensation based on these force dynamics.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present a clear contrast in tactile experience. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls in line with the traditional standard favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced depth when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced travel. Therefore, if you prefer a hearty and more substantial keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the better option, while those who favor a snappier and more responsive feel may prefer the Salt Ice. Ultimately, if you prioritize rapid actuation speed, the Salt Ice is the shorter option, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the longer switch, providing a more substantial depth with each keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches produce a distinctive high-pitched, clacky sound profile that stands out in a crowded field of linear switches. This resonant quality is both sharp and clean, providing an auditory experience that some typists may find invigorating, especially if they prefer a less bass-heavy sound. The sound produced is not only indicative of how each key responds but is also influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material used with these switches. In comparison, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches also deliver an exceptionally bright and clacky characteristic, ensuring users enjoy a similarly lively auditory experience. This shared focus on a higher-pitched sound profile makes both switches appealing for those who appreciate a crisp typing noise.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are characterized by their polished and creamy sensation. This smooth finish facilitates a seamless typing experience where key presses glide effortlessly, resulting in reduced friction as fingers travel across the keys. Such a refined touch enhances overall typing comfort and efficiency. While specific details regarding the tactile feel of the Salt Ice switches are missing, their characterization as providing vibrant feedback and a light touch suggests a similarly smooth experience that enables quick and responsive actuation. Therefore, while the exact nuances of the Salt Ice switches remain unspecified, one can infer that they likely offer a comparable touch experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches present an enticing option for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards. With their shared emphasis on a bright, clacky sound, both switches can cater to users who prefer a lively auditory feedback. Additionally, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in smooth and creamy feel, the Salt Ice's energetic feedback suggests a similarly pleasant typing experience. For those aiming to find a suitable linear switch, either option offers qualities that will yield satisfying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you appreciate a slightly heavier feel with a notable bottom-out force of 67 grams, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will likely be more to your liking. Its polished surface provides a smooth and refined experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more deliberate typing style, along with the clacky sound profile that offers an engaging auditory feedback without being overly distracting. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch and seek an energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switches might be your best choice, as they offer an effortless actuation, allowing for rapid keystrokes with less resistance. Although I wasn’t able to specify its exact bottom-out force, the Salt Ice is known for its vibrant feedback, providing a lively and responsive feel that many typists and gamers enjoy. In summary, consider your typing habits and which characteristics resonate with you—opting for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for a more robust and tactile experience, or going for the Salt Ice for its lively and light-as-air feel.
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