Gateron Melodic vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and Jerrzi Poseidon offer distinct experiences for users. The Gateron Melodic stands out as a clicky switch, known for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems that provide a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback. Described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Melodic is a popular choice for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon is a linear switch that lacks a defining feature beyond its simplicity. While some may prefer the straightforwardness of a linear switch, others may find it lacking in character compared to the Melodic. 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
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
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
stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and Jerrzi Poseidon differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Melodic featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Poseidon uses a POM material for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Melodic creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Poseidon produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to those who enjoy a smoother typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Melodic's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Poseidon also contributes to a deeper sound profile, matching the characteristics of the POM top housing. Both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience, albeit with different emphasis on sound qualities.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and Jerrzi Poseidon may differ, they both strive to create a distinct sound profile for users. The split between polycarbonate and nylon in the Melodic and the uniform use of POM in the Poseidon allows for a blending of various sound qualities throughout the typing experience. Whether it's the top housing impacting the sound upon key release or the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches offer a personalized typing experience based on the housing materials chosen for construction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, we can see some clear differences. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Poseidon switch has an actuation force of 40 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Melodic switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Poseidon switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Poseidon switch, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Melodic switch due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the Melodic providing a more tactile typing feel, while the Poseidon offers a smoother keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, we find that the Melodic has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Poseidon has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Poseidon has a shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic. 4.0mm is a more traditional travel distance, while 3.4mm is on the shallower end. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Poseidon with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Melodic with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences, catering to individual preferences when it comes to typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
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 Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy experience, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with clean and sharp feedback reminiscent of typing on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon switch's sound qualities are unknown. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feeling of the switches, the Gateron Melodic is known for its buttery and invigorating typing experience. The buttery feel suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the invigorating feedback offers a pronounced and reactive typing sensation, creating an immersive experience for users. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Jerrzi Poseidon switch is not specified, making it difficult to compare the two in this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch stands out for its resonant and crunchy sound, as well as its buttery and invigorating typing feel. While the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch lacks specified sound and feel qualities, it is safe to assume that you may achieve similar results in these aspects as long as all other influencing factors remain constant. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, it is important to consider your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a resonant and crunchy sound profile, and a buttery and invigorating typing experience, then the Gateron Melodic switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, and are looking for a different sound and feel experience, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.