Gateron Luciola vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Luciola and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with two excellent linear options each offering unique features. The Luciola switch stands out for its glowing aesthetic and medium heft, providing a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a distinctive sound profile. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch boasts exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch combined with vibrant feedback for an energetic and responsive typing experience. Both switches have their strengths, making it a tough choice to pick just one. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both offer distinct sound profiles that are characterized by their unique properties. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings provide a satisfyingly thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Both switches offer precise sound profiles, but the Luciola's INK blend may have a slightly softer sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the Salt Ice's polycarbonate material.
Aesthetically, the differences between the two housing materials are evident as well. The Luciola's INK blend material is not transparent, offering a more traditional and opaque appearance. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate material is transparent, allowing for RGB lighting effects to shine through the switch. This difference in transparency can affect the overall look of a keyboard build, with the Salt Ice switch offering a more modern and visually striking appearance compared to the Luciola switch.
When considering the feel of the switches, the housing materials play a role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when the key is released. Both the Luciola and Salt Ice switches offer unique tactile feedback and sound profiles, giving users options to choose from based on their preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics. Ultimately, while the housing materials differ between the two switches, both provide quality performance and customization options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch. The Luciola has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams with an unknown bottom out force. The Luciola provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium force requirements, making it ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice offers a lighter typing experience with its lighter actuation force, perfect for those who need to type for longer periods without fatigue. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their force requirements, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola 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 fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers seeking faster response times. The Luciola switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial key press feeling compared to the Salt Ice switch. However, both switches are still shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Ultimately, your preference for either switch will depend on whether you prioritize a quicker response or a more pronounced key press feeling.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Luciola linear switch offers a clacky and chirpy typing experience with a marbly high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of tapping on a piece of marble. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is described as exceptionally bright and clacky, providing a unique and energetic typing experience. While the specific sound characteristics of the Salt Ice switch are unknown, users can expect a distinct and vibrant sound profile that complements its light touch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola switch is known for its smooth and bouncy typing feel, offering a snappy and buttery keystroke experience. The switch provides a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is recognized for its effortless actuation and vibrant feedback, delivering a responsive typing sensation. Although the specific feel of the Salt Ice switch is unspecified, users can anticipate a comfortable and lively typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Luciola switch boasts a medium heft and a hollow sound profile, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics. In terms of feel, the Luciola switch provides a smooth and bouncy typing experience, while the Salt Ice switch offers effortless actuation and vibrant feedback. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback and experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound characteristics, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy switches that glow in the dark with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bright and clacky sound profile, along with a light touch and vibrant feedback, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch might better suit your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and typing experience.
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