Jerrzi Orange vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Orange and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Weightlessness present distinct choices catering to different typing preferences. The Jerrzi Orange switches, known for their clackiness and lightweight design, deliver a lively, responsive typing experience ideal for enthusiasts who crave audible feedback with each stroke. Their feathery touch combined with a subdued yet vibrant sound makes them particularly appealing to gamers and typists who thrive on a more spirited interaction with their keyboards. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are defined by their subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing a balanced typing experience that blends tactile feedback with a harmonious sound profile. This makes them an excellent option for those who prefer a more refined and controlled keystroke without the distraction of excess noise. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the lively clack of the Jerrzi Orange or the satisfying tactility of the Gateron Weightlessness, both switches have unique merits to offer. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Weightlessness switches, one can immediately note a fundamental difference in the materials used for their top housings. The Jerrzi Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due in part to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which allows sound to resonate more clearly. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material absorbs sound more effectively, creating a duller, rounder audio experience. If you're aiming for strong RGB lighting effects, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Orange will be advantageous due to its translucency, while the opaque nature of nylon could detract from the light emission.
However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting similarity arises. Both the Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Weightlessness utilize nylon as their material of choice. This shared component means that typing on either switch feels comparable in terms of depth and fullness of sound, as nylon tends to produce a warmer and more muted auditory experience. The softness of the nylon also contributes significantly to the tactile feedback felt when bottoming out, establishing a solid, consistent performance in both switches. Thus, while the top housings create distinct sound profiles, the shared nylon material in the bottoms levels the auditory experience.
Ultimately, the different sound qualities demonstrated by the Jerrzi Orange and Gateron Weightlessness stems chiefly from their contrasting top housing materials. While the Orange’s polycarbonate top produces a bright and vivid tone, the Gateron’s nylon top results in a more subdued sound. Yet, the use of nylon in both switches’ bottoms ensures that users can expect a similar tactile experience when the keys are pressed down. So, while the auditory characteristics may diverge based on the top housing, the overall sound and feel when typing on these switches can still reach a level of compatibility, giving enthusiasts flexibility in selecting a switch that fits their preferred typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jerrzi Orange switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, while the Gateron Weightlessness requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Orange switch is lighter and may be more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Conversely, the Weightlessness switch provides a firmer response, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Both switches report unknown values for their bottom out forces, so we cannot draw any comparisons in that regard. However, the clear contrast in actuation forces indicates that the Orange switch is the better choice for a lighter feel, while the Weightlessness switch caters to those who prefer added weight and resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Orange switch offers a greater depth when pressed, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced feel and tactile feedback with a heavier bottom-out sensation. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, can provide a quicker actuation, making it potentially more appealing to gamers looking for faster response times. In summary, if you prefer a more responsive key feel, the Gateron Weightlessness would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance; however, if you enjoy a fuller typing experience, the Jerrzi Orange would be the preferable option.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 Jerrzi Orange linear switches are known for their clacky profile, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound with each keystroke. This auditory quality can energize the typing experience, making it feel more lively and dynamic, which is ideal for those who appreciate engaging tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches, while offering a more nuanced sound profile, lack detailed descriptions, making it difficult to compare them directly. However, their balanced sound profile is likely to be less pronounced than the clack of the Orange switches, providing a more subdued auditory experience overall.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Orange switches shine with their feathery lightness, requiring minimal force for actuation and resulting in a very comfortable typing experience. This easy-to-press attribute significantly reduces finger fatigue, making these switches well-suited for long typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or school. The Gateron Weightlessness switches, on the other hand, provide a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that isn't elaborated upon, leaving room for speculation about their feel in comparison. While they may offer a satisfying tactile response, the specific characteristics of their actuation force and overall comfort remain unknown.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Orange switches are an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a lively, clacky, and lightweight typing experience, ideal for extended use without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, while the Gateron Weightlessness switches promise a more balanced sound and tactile feedback, the lack of detailed information on their feel and sound makes it challenging to offer a comprehensive comparison. If you prefer a lively atmosphere with clear auditory feedback, the Orange switches could be your go-to, whereas the Weightlessness switches may appeal to those who favor a more subtle typing experience, though details on their specific qualities are currently lacking.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Orange linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience, the Orange switch would be an excellent fit, especially if you appreciate the clacky sound that adds character to your keystrokes. Its lightweight and feathery feel makes it comfortable for long typing sessions, whether you're gaming, writing, or working. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feedback without the pronounced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch might be more suitable. Its moderate tactile feel allows for a balanced typing experience that remains audible without being overly distracting. Therefore, consider what elements matter most to you—whether it's the lively sound and light feel of the Orange or the balanced, quieter presence of the Weightlessness—before making your final decision.