Jerrzi Orange vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are two linear options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Jerrzi Orange switches are known for their clacky, lively character, providing a lightweight and responsive experience that excels in delivering audible feedback with each keystroke. This makes them an ideal choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a touch of excitement while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a smooth, medium-weight experience that focuses on delivering a thocky sound profile while maintaining exceptional build quality, all at a more accessible price point. While the Orange is favored for its vibrant and feathery feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its rich sound and refined smoothness. 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
37g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, striking contrasts can be observed, particularly in the top housings of both switches. The Jerrzi Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a brighter auditory experience. This quality is amplified by polycarbonate’s translucency, which is especially beneficial for RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to shine through vividly. In comparison, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM’s natural damping properties lend themselves to a smoother sound but lack the crispness that polycarbonate brings, resulting in a more subdued acoustic response.
Examining the bottom housing materials of both switches, both the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie leverage nylon and POM, respectively. The Jerrzi Orange uses a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This classic material absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer nature, yielding a rounder sound that many users find appealing. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie also delivers a pleasing deeper tone but retains the unique characteristics inherent to POM, resulting in a sound that is similarly smooth and muted. Although both materials fall on the softer side of the plastic spectrum, nylon is known for a slightly warmer tone, whereas POM often provides a more balanced yet uniquely pleasing sound.
Ultimately, if one uses both the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie in a keyboard, the differing housing materials will influence the overall auditory and tactile experience. With the Jerrzi Orange, the polycarbonate top highlights a crisp, resonant release, while its nylon bottom ensures a rich bottom-out sound. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's combination of POM in both top and bottom profiles creates a harmoniously deeper yet muted sound experience. For users who value a more defined auditory response, the Orange provides sharper feedback, while the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers an enjoyable, smoothed tone. Thus, despite their differing compositions, each switch can achieve a satisfying and distinct typing experience, appealing to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Jerrzi Orange has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which prevents a direct comparison in that regard. However, the clear contrast in actuation forces indicates that typists and gamers seeking a lighter, more responsive keystroke will gravitate towards the Jerrzi Orange, while those desiring a firmer push should choose the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.7 mm, resulting in an identical feel when pressing down on the keys. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience comparable actuation responsiveness and keypress depth with both switches. As a consequence, whether you choose the Orange or the Sea Salt Smoothie, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance, making both switches equally suitable for those who prefer a consistent and smooth linear typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Orange has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $2.30.
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Orange shines with its clacky sound, characterized by a crisp and percussive feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. This lively sound can invigorate typing sessions and is particularly satisfying for those who appreciate auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound profile is not detailed in the provided information, leaving it somewhat of a mystery. Since sound can also be influenced by factors such as keycaps and the keyboard itself, the Orange may create a more vibrant audio atmosphere compared to whatever sound signature the Sea Salt Smoothie might produce.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Orange switch is highlighted by its lightweight and easy-to-press characteristics. Described as feathery, it requires minimal exertion, making it extremely friendly for long typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. This light actuation encourages a comfortable and engaging experience, ideal for both gaming and productivity. On the other hand, there is no information available regarding the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie, which leaves an open question regarding its resistance and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Orange switch offers a distinctive clacky sound and a feathery feel, making it a lively and comfortable choice for users looking for an engaging typing experience. The Sea Salt Smoothie is advertised as a medium-weight switch with an unknown sound and feel profile, leaving potential users without a clear comparative advantage. For those who thrive on auditory feedback and lightweight actuation, the Orange delivers a compelling case, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's qualities remain to be discovered. Ultimately, users may need to sample both to determine which aligns best with their typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Jerrzi Orange linear switches and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typical usage. Opt for the Jerrzi Orange if you're seeking a lively, clacky sound and a feathery feel that makes typing a breezy experience. These switches will cater well to those who enjoy a responsive keyboard and often engage in long typing sessions, be it for gaming or work, where you desire minimal strain on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness in your keystrokes and enjoy a thocky sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may be your best choice. Its medium-weight design is perfect for users who appreciate a solid feel while typing, offering a smoother experience without compromising on sound quality. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and whether you value a lightweight touch versus a balanced, smooth action to determine which switch aligns with your needs best.
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