Gateron Oil King (V2) vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Oil King (V2) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Gateron Oil King and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, it really comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound and feel. The Oil King offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile that is reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches provide a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, perfect for users who enjoy a more energetic and responsive typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the choice between them boils down to your individual typing style and preferences. 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
65g
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
Nylon
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
Color coated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Oil King and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer contrasting qualities that make them unique in their own right. The Oil King's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In comparison, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffer plastic composition. While the Oil King excels in producing a more muffled and clacky sound, the Salt Ice showcases a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for those utilizing RGB lighting.
Despite their differences, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials. The Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing presents a relatively high-pitched sound profile that is not overly sharp, resulting in a satisfyingly clacky sound. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a similar sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile, thanks to its stiff plastic composition. These similarities in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch, further emphasizing their unique characteristics.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Oil King and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The distinct qualities of the nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in the top and bottom of each switch significantly impact the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound with a softer plastic top housing like the Oil King, or a sharper, crisper sound with a clear polycarbonate top housing like the Salt Ice, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Oil King has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Oil King may provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Salt Ice. Weight is an important consideration as lighter switches are preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches offer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a traditional travel distance that provides a good balance between responsiveness and comfort. Gamers may prefer the Salt Ice switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Oil King switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference in terms of how much travel distance feels the most comfortable and responsive for typing or gaming needs.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 Oil King linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, providing a more mellow and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have a specific sound descriptor provided, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used, so the overall sound experience may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Oil King switch is described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, there is no specific description provided for the feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch. Without this information, it is challenging to compare the feel of the two switches directly. However, based on the known qualities of the Oil King switch, users can expect a similar smooth and polished typing experience with the Salt Ice switch.
Overall, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is favored for its buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch stands out for its bright and clacky characteristics with a light touch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience, with the Oil King focusing on smoothness and richness in sound and feel, and the Salt Ice emphasizing brightness and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Oil King linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the key characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a creamy, silky, buttery, or polished typing feel, then the Gateron Oil King may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light touch with no bottom out force and appreciate exceptionally bright, clacky feedback with a vibrant typing experience, then the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and the specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider trying out both switches to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences.
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