Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present two intriguing options for enthusiasts. The Salt Ice is celebrated for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering a light touch that results in vibrant feedback and effortless actuation—a perfect choice for users who crave an energetic and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a medium-weight construction that balances quality and affordability, delivering a thocky sound profile along with exceptional smoothness. While both switches showcase their unique strengths, the Salt Ice appeals to those who enjoy lively keystrokes, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie is ideal for users seeking a more subdued yet still satisfying auditory experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it becomes clear that each switch employs a distinct approach to sound production through its choice of materials. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances sound resonance and clarity. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, making it a favored material for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for POM (polyoxymethylene) housing, which results in a sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to the more vibrant characteristics provided by polycarbonate.
Despite their differing materials, both the Salt Ice and Sea Salt Smoothie contribute unique auditory and tactile experiences. The POM used in the Sea Salt Smoothie's top and bottom housings tends to produce a pleasantly subdued sound, offering a more tactile and less resonant experience when compared to the Salt Ice's audible feedback. This distinction in sound is particularly noticeable during the bottoming-out and releasing phases of a key press. The Salt Ice's sharper sound profile enhances feedback upon release, while the smoother, muted notes of the Sea Salt Smoothie allow for a softer return, catering to different user preferences for acoustic response.
Ultimately, if the top and bottom housings are different, the interaction of materials influences the overall experience of typing. While the Salt Ice maximizes brightness and clarity, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a balance of warmth and richness that provides its own unique charm. For users seeking a particular tonal quality, understanding how these materials contribute to both the sound and feel of the switch can help them choose the right option for their desired typing experience. Both switches can yield satisfying results, but the character of their performance will fundamentally differ due to the inherent properties of polycarbonate versus POM.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The Salt Ice requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter typing experience for prolonged sessions may find the Salt Ice more comfortable, whereas those seeking a more substantial feel when typing might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, indicating that we cannot draw a direct comparison in that respect. However, the difference in actuation forces suggests that the Salt Ice would contribute to a softer typing experience compared to the heavier Sea Salt Smoothie.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Salt Ice features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Thus, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press and a feeling of depth while typing. Both switches diverge in their travel distances, emphasizing personal preference in users' choices for either responsiveness or tactile satisfaction.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a lively auditory feedback that many users find energizing. This vibrant sound can contribute to an engaging typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of auditory flair while they work or game. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound profile, which is deeper and more resonant, creating a satisfying auditory sensation. Both sound profiles provide unique auditory experiences, giving users the option to choose between a bright, punchy sound and a deeper, more substantial thock, though personal preference and external factors like keyboard construction can greatly influence the overall sound.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switches are characterized by a light touch and effortless actuation that make them incredibly responsive. This results in a snappy typing experience, allowing for quick and fluid keystrokes with minimal force required. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch presents a medium-weight feel that incorporates smoothness into the actuation, creating a balance that many users find comfortable for extended typing sessions. While both switches offer smoothness, the Salt Ice leans more towards a lighter, faster actuation, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a more weighted and deliberate feeling, catering to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. Whether you prefer the bright and lively sound of the Salt Ice or the thocky depth of the Sea Salt Smoothie, and whether a light, responsive feel or a balanced medium weight suits you better, these switches promise to deliver satisfying keyboard experiences. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your personal typing style and sound preference, ensuring that both options can meet the expectations of a diverse range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you thrive on responsiveness and crave an energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switches would be your best bet. Their bright and clacky characteristics, combined with a light touch, lend themselves well to fast-paced typing, making them ideal for gaming or high-intensity tasks where quick feedback is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that emphasizes smoothness and a more subdued sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. Its medium-weight actuation provides a balanced feel while delivering a “thocky” sound that can enhance the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both work and casual gaming. In essence, your choice should align with your typing style and the kind of auditory feedback you find satisfying.
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