Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Jupiter Red boasts a smooth and consistent keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a seamless typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice switches offer a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, perfect for users seeking an energetic and responsive feel while typing. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, one major difference lies in their bottom housings. The Jupiter Red features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Salt Ice boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing material results in distinct typing experiences, with the Jupiter Red providing a softer, more muted sound and the Salt Ice offering a sharper and clearer sound.
On the flip side, both the Jupiter Red and the Salt Ice share polycarbonate top housings, offering similar qualities in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making them ideal choices for those who prioritize sound feedback in their keyboard experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to both switches. Therefore, while the bottom housing materials differ, users can expect comparable sound profiles from the polycarbonate top housings of both the Jupiter Red and the Salt Ice.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice hinges on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel. The nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Red provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Salt Ice offers a sharper and clearer sound experience. On the other hand, the shared polycarbonate top housing of both switches ensures a consistent sharp, crisp, and resonant sound profile, coupled with the added bonus of enhanced RGB lighting effects. Ultimately, whether one prefers a softer, more muted typing experience or a sharper, clearer sound profile will dictate which switch is the better fit for their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown. The Jupiter Red offers a balanced medium feel with a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice's bottom out force remains a mystery. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jupiter Red may be the better option, while the Salt Ice's unknown bottom out force leaves some uncertainties regarding its overall feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Salt Ice has a shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Red switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for users who are more sensitive to the travel distance of their switches. The Jupiter Red's 4 mm travel distance offers a slightly deeper keystroke feel compared to the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preferences regarding keypress feedback and typing experience. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Salt Ice switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper keystroke feel, the Jupiter Red switch would be more suitable for you.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Red linear switch is known for its neutral profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level suitable for various uses, be it for beginners or advanced users. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch lacks a specific description related to sound, so it might be best to try them out personally to determine the level of sound they produce. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is praised for its polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience. These switches are designed to provide a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and minimal resistance, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch lacks a detailed description regarding its feel, so it is advisable to test them out to determine the tactile sensation they offer.
Overall, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch stands out for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, medium-heavy actuation, and high-precision molds, suitable for users looking for a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch for an energetic and responsive typing feel.
If you prefer a medium actuation force and a polished, creamy, silky, or mild typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you seek a vibrant and clacky typing feel with a light touch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch might be the better option. Ultimately, personal preference plays a crucial role in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a smooth, consistent keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an energetic and responsive typing experience with exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, the Salt Ice may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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