Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jerrzi Salt Ice are two popular options to consider. The Ink Box Pink is praised for its smoothness, light typing feel, and higher-pitched clack, making it a great choice for those who prefer a polished and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice stands out with its bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that offers vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, 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
60g
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 Pink and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Salt Ice uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile that is especially ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency.
One significant difference between the two switches lies in their top housings. While the Ink Box Pink's INK blend top housing offers a relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This variation in sound profile can impact the overall typing experience, as the choice of top housing material can greatly influence the tactile feedback and auditory response of the switch. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice switch allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing option for those looking to customize their keyboard setup.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Jerrzi Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal. While both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option. Whether you prefer the clacky sound of INK blend or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches will provide a tactile and auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is 60 grams, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a medium-weight keypress experience, with the Ink Box Pink leaning slightly towards the heavier side. This means that typing on the Ink Box Pink may provide a bit more tactile feedback and require slightly more force compared to the Salt Ice. However, if the Salt Ice has a similar bottom out force to the Ink Box Pink, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of force required. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The difference between the two distances may not be significant for most users, as both offer similar advantages in terms of responsiveness. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Ink Box Pink with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel and feedback of the key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky characteristics, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have any specific descriptors for sound provided. However, based on the vibrant feedback and light touch described, it is likely that the Salt Ice switch produces a bright and energetic sound profile. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Ink Box Pink having a higher-pitched clack compared to the potentially bright sound of the Salt Ice.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is praised for its silky and polished attributes, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing keys. In contrast, no specific descriptors for the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch are provided. However, based on its light touch and effortless actuation mentioned, it can be inferred that the Salt Ice switch provides a smooth and responsive typing feel similar to the Ink Box Pink. Both switches seem to prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, making them appealing options for users seeking a comfortable and enjoyable typing session.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Box Pink is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound with a silky and polished feel, the Salt Ice switch shines with potentially bright and clacky characteristics, complemented by a light touch. Despite the differences in their specific descriptors, both switches aim to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference in sound and feel, but users can expect similar results in terms of a smooth and responsive typing experience from both options.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should opt for the Ink Box Pink if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a lighter typing feel, and a higher-pitched clack. These switches offer a smooth and polished typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, you should go for the Salt Ice if you desire a switch with a bottom out force of None grams, exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, and vibrant feedback. These switches provide an energetic and responsive typing experience with a light touch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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