Gateron Mountain Top vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, both share the linear design feature, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bump of a traditional mechanical switch. However, the Mountain Top is tailored for office settings, offering a quiet and discreet typing experience ideal for professional environments. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch boasts a bright and clacky feedback, perfect for users who prefer a more energetic and responsive typing feel. While the Mountain Top emphasizes subtlety and light actuation, the Salt Ice stands out for its vibrant characteristics and effortless touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and specific usage requirements. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer plastic absorbing more noise. In contrast, the Salt Ice features polycarbonate for both housing components, creating a sharper and crisper sound with its stiffer plastic. While the Mountain Top's nylon housing produces a duller and rounder sound, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate housing delivers a more clear and resonant auditory experience.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Salt Ice offer distinct advantages to users. The Mountain Top's nylon construction provides a softer typing experience, resulting in a more cushioned and muted sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate housing which delivers a more tactile and precise typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the Salt Ice switch. On the other hand, the opaque nylon housing of the Mountain Top offers a classic and timeless look that may appeal to users looking for a more understated design.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Salt Ice ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. While the Mountain Top's nylon housing offers a softer and more muted sound profile, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate construction delivers a sharper and more resonant typing experience. However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a particular switch, users can experience a combination of qualities from both materials. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper sound of nylon or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Mountain Top has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Salt Ice's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In terms of bottom out force, the Mountain Top requires 50 grams to bottom out, while the Salt Ice force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Mountain Top may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's slightly heavier actuation force may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This uniformity in travel distance ensures a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Whether you opt for the Mountain Top or the Salt Ice, you can expect a similar level of key travel, resulting in comparable typing feedback and overall performance.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 Mountain Top linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and typing styles. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is not available, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle, providing a versatile typing experience that is responsive yet gentle on the fingers. The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch details regarding feel were not provided, making it challenging to compare directly. However, based on the qualities of the Gateron Mountain Top, you can expect a lively and responsive typing feel from the Salt Ice switch as well.
Overall, both the Gateron Mountain Top and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Mountain Top switch provides a quiet and light actuation suitable for office environments, while the Salt Ice switch is characterized by bright and clacky feedback for an energetic typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a moderate sound profile, versatile feel, and a relatively light actuation force, either of these switches would be a solid choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and your preferences in terms of typing experience. If you work in a professional setting where a quiet typing experience is paramount, the Gateron Mountain Top with its light actuation force and subdued sound signature may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch with its light touch and energetic feel may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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