Gateron Mars vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Mars and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer distinctive qualities that cater to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Gateron Mars switches are celebrated for their innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which contributes to their smooth and consistent keystrokes. They appeal to typists who prioritize a pleasant, stable typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches excel at delivering an exceptionally bright and clacky typing feel, providing vibrant feedback and effortless actuation that energizes every keystroke. They are ideal for users who seek an enthusiastic and responsive touch when typing or gaming. While both switches cater to those who enjoy linear feel, their individual characteristics serve different preferences and styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mars and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer distinct sound profiles that are largely influenced by their housing materials. The Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer nature that absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This absorption leads to a more muted and round sound profile when typing, fostering a tranquil keystroke environment. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a much stiffer material, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The polycarbonate housing produces a crisper acoustic response, allowing for a more resonant sound that can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a clearer auditory feedback when typing.
When considering the bottom housings of each switch, the Gateron Mars employs a POM bottom housing, which complements its nylon top by producing a pleasingly muted sound that retains a deeper quality. This combination enhances the overall experience by balancing the softer tones of the nylon with the unique, richer sound profile of the POM. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing reinforces the sharper sound produced by its top housing, creating a consistent, bright auditory experience across the switch. By utilizing polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, the Salt Ice achieves a clearer, more resonant sound, ideal for users who want maximum auditory clarity with each keystroke.
Ultimately, the differing materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Gateron Mars and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches illustrate a deliberate approach to sound design in mechanical keyboards. The Mars's use of nylon and POM creates a harmonious balance between muted depth and richness, while the Salt Ice's dual polycarbonate construction consistently delivers a bright and crisp acoustic response. For users seeking similar results in auditory feedback while using either switch, it is essential to understand that the experience will vary: the Mars will provide a more subdued typing sound, while the Salt Ice will cater to those who relish a sharper, resonant soundscape. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, making them well-suited to different types of users based on their individual sound and tactile preferences.
Weight
Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, information on the bottom out force for both switches is unavailable, leaving us unable to compare their bottoming out characteristics directly. Because their actuation forces are the same, users can expect a similar experience in terms of how Hard or easy it feels to press the keys down in the initial phase of a keystroke. Since both switches have the same actuation force, they cater equally to users who prefer lighter switches, ideal for those looking for comfort over extended typing or gaming sessions. Nevertheless, without data on the bottom out force, we cannot ascertain which switch might provide a heavier or lighter feel upon bottoming out. As it stands, both switches can be considered equal in terms of their actuation pressure and potentially similar in overall typing experience, but the absence of bottom out force data leaves a gap in evaluating their complete performance profiles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Mars switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that for users seeking a quicker response time, the Jerrzi Salt Ice could provide a slightly more rapid activation due to its shorter travel distance. However, the Gateron Mars, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced feel, which some users prefer as it provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference: those who favor a snappier response may lean towards the Salt Ice, while those who enjoy deeper key presses might opt for the Mars.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron Mars linear switch is not explicitly described, leaving some ambiguity regarding its acoustic characteristics. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is noted for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound, which certainly adds a lively dimension to the typing experience. This auditory feedback contributes to an energetic atmosphere while typing, catering to those who appreciate an audible response from their switches. However, it's essential to remember that the final sound produced can vary greatly based on the particular keyboard setup, including the choice of board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Mars switch features a unique design that likely provides a smooth linear experience, but specifics about the tactile sensation it offers are not detailed. Conversely, the Salt Ice switch is recognized for its vibrant feedback and light touch, delivering an effortless actuation that many users find appealing. This tactile clarity in the Salt Ice switch makes it particularly enjoyable for users who prefer a more responsive typing experience, ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars linear switch offers a smooth experience and a quality build with its innovative materials, it lacks detailed sound or feel descriptions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch shines with its bright sound profile and responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a lively and engaging typing experience. Depending on your specific preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches could cater well to your mechanical keyboard needs, but the Salt Ice clearly stands out in terms of auditory and tactile excitement.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately depends on what kind of typing experience you are seeking. If you prioritize a unique design and feel, the Gateron Mars may be the right choice for you. Its innovative POK stem and specially blended Nylon and POM housing contribute to a typing experience that is not only distinctive but also potentially smoother, though exact feedback and sound characteristics are not detailed here. This switch could suit you if you are looking for something that feels refined and offers that blend of innovation and quality, especially if you appreciate less tactile feedback and want to focus on moderate speed and smoothness.
On the other hand, if you're after a vibrant, energetic, and responsive typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches shine in this area. Their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics create an engaging auditory experience, while the light actuation ensures that your keystrokes feel effortless. If you love a keyboard that provides immediate feedback and a lively sound profile, the Salt Ice is likely your best bet. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you want an innovative feel with potential smoothness or an energetic typing experience filled with auditory delight. Choose carefully based on your typing style, and you'll find the switch that feels just right for you!
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