Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique features for users to consider. The Ink Box Black is lauded for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. It is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for effortless actuation. They provide vibrant feedback and a responsive typing experience. While the Ink Box Black may appeal to those seeking a polished and smooth typing feel, the Salt Ice switches are best suited for users craving a lively and energetic 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. While the materials may differ, both switches aim to provide a distinct sound experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their aesthetic appeal. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Jerrzi Salt Ice not only adds to the switch's unique sound profile but also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to the mechanical keyboard setup. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black's opaque INK blend top housing may not provide the same level of visual appeal, but it still offers a distinct sound experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preferences in both sound and appearance.
While the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jerrzi Salt Ice may have differences in their housing materials, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying sound experience for mechanical keyboard users. Whether it's the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Box Black or the polycarbonate material of the Salt Ice, each switch offers a unique sound profile that can enhance the typing experience. Additionally, the use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced distribution of sound qualities, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Ink Box Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice's 45 grams, making it the heavier of the two switches. Additionally, the Gateron Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice is unknown. While the actuation force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice is lighter, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue, the lack of information on the bottom out force makes it difficult to determine how it compares to the Gateron Ink Box Black in that aspect. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Salt Ice switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times during gameplay. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some users may find provides a more substantial and satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Ink Box Black linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, resembling the sound of a sharp and snappy spray paint can being shaken. On the other hand, information on the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch's sound profile is not provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard design and keycap material.
Moving onto the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness is further enhanced by the refined finish of the switch, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing feel. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches in this regard.
Overall, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Ink Box Black boasts a smooth and creamy feel with a clacky sound profile, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its bright and responsive characteristics. Depending on your typing style and personal preference, either switch could provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, it is essential to consider all available information, including sound, feel, and other factors such as compatibility with your keyboard setup, when making a decision between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams, a smooth and creamy typing experience, and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with no specified actuation force, exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, and a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, the Jerrzi Salt Ice may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking. Choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
