Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie, both linear switches but with distinct traits that set them apart. The Salt Ice is praised for its bright and clacky feedback, coupled with a light touch that provides users with an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, all at an affordable price point. While the Salt Ice excels in vibrant feedback, the Smoothie stands out for its smoothness and low-pitched sound. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie, it is evident that both switches feature different top and bottom housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile across the board. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch's sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie employs POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile overall.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Salt Ice and the Smoothie share similarities in terms of their housing designs. The use of clear housings allows for easy customization and compatibility with RGB lighting, making them visually appealing options for users looking to personalize their keyboards. Additionally, the combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom components of each switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Overall, the choice between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Salt Ice offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing, the Smoothie provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing. Both switches offer a customizable and visually appealing option for keyboard enthusiasts, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Gateron Smoothie is the lighter option, which may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the feel of the key press for some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt and quicker key press may lean towards the Salt Ice, while those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may prefer the Smoothie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel and response time.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with vibrant feedback and a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound signature, giving off a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. While the Salt Ice switch focuses on a bright and energetic sound profile, the Smoothie switch provides a more subdued and mellow tone, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for sound.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is described as providing a light and effortless actuation, giving users a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, emphasizing smoothness and fluidity in each keystroke. While the Salt Ice switch prioritizes a light touch and responsive feel, the Smoothie switch focuses on delivering a seamless and effortless typing experience through lubricated materials and smooth key presses. Both switches excel in providing tactile feedback and a comfortable typing feel, catering to users with different preferences in key response.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Gateron Smoothie switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to users with varying preferences in their typing experience. The Salt Ice switch stands out for its bright and clacky sound profile and light touch, while the Smoothie switch impresses with its thocky sound signature and buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel. Whether users prefer a vibrant and responsive typing experience or a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, both switches deliver excellent performance in their respective qualities. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a bright and clacky typing feel with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, then the Salt Ice switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, then the Gateron Smoothie switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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