Gateron Glory Red vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron Glory Red switch stands out for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and ease during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch offers a unique combination of vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, appealing to users who enjoy an energetic and responsive typing feel. Both switches are linear, ensuring a lack of tactile bump and audible click, but they diverge in their character and performance. The Glory Red is perfect for anyone looking for a serene typing experience, while the Salt Ice excels in providing a lively and tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switches and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, a significant difference emerges in the choice of plastics. The Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer, more absorbent qualities. This material contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, offering a more muted auditory experience when typing. The characteristics of nylon allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound that many typists appreciate for a more subdued and relaxing typing experience.
In contrast, the Salt Ice switches employ polycarbonate for both their top and bottom housings. This material is considerably stiffer than nylon, contributing to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for clearer and more resonant sound when keys are released, creating a pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile experience of typing. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucence makes it a popular choice for RGB-lit keyboards, as it allows light to pass through effectively. This design feature is particularly appealing for users who want to showcase their keyboard’s lighting effects.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches can produce satisfying typing experiences tailored to the user's preferences. While the Gateron Glory Red delivers a deep, muted sound suitable for those who prefer a softer auditory feedback, the Jerrzi Salt Ice offers a sharper, more resonant sound ideal for users seeking a vibrant typing experience. The interaction of the top and bottom housing materials inevitably influences the sound profile; the nylon of the Glory Red dampens the impact sound while the polycarbonate of the Salt Ice accentuates it. For users who appreciate the distinct qualities of each material, experimenting with both can lead to a fuller understanding of how these factors affect overall performance, leading to a richer typing experience whether one prefers the warm depth of nylon or the crisp clarity of polycarbonate.
Weight
The Gateron Glory Red and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in this regard and suitable for those who prefer a balanced typing experience that doesn’t tire the fingers during extended use. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which means we cannot directly compare their resilience when pressed to the maximum. Since the actuation forces are the same, users can expect similar responsiveness and feel when typing or gaming, making them equally lightweight options for those who appreciate a softer touch. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that's easier on the hands for long typing or gaming sessions, both the Glory Red and Salt Ice would serve well; however, without knowing their bottom out forces, we can’t establish which might feel heavier or provide a more substantial tactile feedback when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's clear that they differ slightly. The Glory Red features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that users who prefer a quicker response time may gravitate towards the Salt Ice switch due to its reduced travel distance, which can enhance typing speed and agility. Conversely, those who favor a more pronounced keystroke and a hearty depth may find the Glory Red to be a better fit, offering a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, the shorter travel distance of the Salt Ice provides a more immediate actuation for those seeking responsiveness, whereas the Glory Red allows for a deeper keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Glory Red switch is characterized by its smooth and relatively quiet operation, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a subdued typing experience, while still enjoying a satisfying auditory response during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its bright and clacky sound profile, creating a more pronounced auditory feedback that energizes the typing experience. This distinction means that if you value a quieter environment, the Glory Red might be your preference, whereas the Salt Ice caters to those who enjoy an exuberant sonic backdrop when typing.
Regarding feel, the Glory Red switch provides a smooth keystroke with a pleasant travel distance that promotes a comfortable typing experience, particularly suited for long typing sessions. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch offers a lighter touch, paired with vibrant feedback that adds a layer of responsiveness to each keystroke. This difference is significant: while the Glory Red is ideal for those who appreciate a smooth, consistent feel, the Salt Ice appeals to users who thrive on energetic and tactile interactions with their keyboard.
Overall, both switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Glory Red leans towards a smoother, quieter feel that benefits users looking for sustained typing comfort, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice excels in providing a lively and tactile experience with its bright sound and responsive feedback. Depending on whether you prioritize a tranquil or an energetic atmosphere, your choice between these switches will ultimately shape your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and preferences. If you value a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a more subtle approach to your typing experience. This switch is ideal for longer typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue and provides a comforting feel. Conversely, if you gravitate towards a more dynamic and lively typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch will suit you well. Its bright and clacky characteristics, combined with a light touch, offer an engaging feedback that can make typing feel more energetic and stimulating. In essence, if you prefer a tactile and responsive performance that keeps your fingers active, the Salt Ice is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, comfortable experience or a vibrant, feedback-rich interaction.
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