Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are two options that stand out for their distinct characteristics. The Salt Ice switches are praised for their exceptionally bright and clacky feedback, combined with a light touch that provides an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switches offer a muted and polished typing experience, making them ideal for those looking for a quieter alternative. While both switches are linear, with smooth keystrokes and no tactile bump, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both switches utilize top housings made of different materials. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a slightly high-pitched, yet not overly sharp sound, described as clacky. While both top housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the polycarbonate material of the Salt Ice may produce a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the INK blend of the Silent Ink Black.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Silent Ink Black continue to differ in their materials. The Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile similar to its top housing. This adds to the overall clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to a slightly high-pitched and satisfyingly clacky sound. While both bottom housings play a role in the switch's sound profile, the material composition of each may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel when typing.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on a switch, it is important to note that the characteristics of the top and bottom housings may be felt differently during use. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will be more noticeable when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, the overall typing experience may still yield similar results in terms of sound and feel, albeit with slight variations.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Silent Ink Black, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Ink Black is 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Salt Ice, for which the bottom out force is unknown. While those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Salt Ice for extended typing or gaming sessions, individuals looking for a more firm and responsive typing feel may lean towards the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Salt Ice offers a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 bright and clacky characteristics, offering vibrant feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is praised for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Depending on personal preference, the Salt Ice switch may be more suitable for users who enjoy a more audible and energetic typing sound, while the Silent Ink Black switch would be better suited for those who prefer a more hushed typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its light touch and effortless actuation, providing users with a responsive typing feel. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a cushiony and pillow-like bottom-out feel, enhancing typing comfort with minimal resistance. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, providing users with an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel, users can opt for the Salt Ice switch for a more responsive typing experience or the Silent Ink Black switch for a smoother and more cushioned feel.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide high-quality performance in their respective areas. The Salt Ice switch delivers a lively and vibrant typing experience with bright feedback, ideal for users seeking an energetic typing sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted and quiet typing experience with a cushioned and smooth feel, suitable for users who prioritize a noise-sensitive environment and enhanced typing comfort. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices depending on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire. If you enjoy a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback and light touch, the Salt Ice switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences.
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