Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie Silver mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to consider their unique characteristics. The Jerrzi Salt Ice is a linear switch best known for its exceptionally bright and clacky feedback, as well as its light touch, providing users with an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch with all-POM construction, offering a short travel distance for lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While both switches excel in their respective areas, the Salt Ice may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile feedback, while the Smoothie Silver may be suitable for those looking for a faster and smoother typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer their own unique characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice is more likely to create a brighter and more vibrant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Salt Ice and Smoothie Silver use different materials. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing shares similar properties with its top housing, resulting in a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout the switch. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more subdued sound when the switch is pressed. This contrast in bottom housing materials may lead to a different tactile experience for users, with the Salt Ice offering a sharper bottom-out sound and the Smoothie Silver providing a softer and more subtle feel.
Overall, the choice between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie Silver will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches offer their own unique characteristics with differing housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice or the deep and muted sound of POM in the Smoothie Silver, each switch is designed to enhance your typing experience in its own distinct way. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetic design.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. This means that while they may have the same actuation force, their typing experience may differ when it comes to the feel of pressing all the way down. Some users may prefer the Salt Ice for its lighter actuation force, which allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, others may gravitate towards the Smoothie Silver for its potentially heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience with the same amount of physical feedback when pressed down. Due to their identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall typing feel. The uniformity in travel distance between these two switches makes them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear 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 Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with a vibrant and energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound, known for its smoothness and feather-light touch. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, users can expect a more lively and clicky sound from the Salt Ice, while experiencing a smoother and lighter sound from the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is praised for its light touch and effortless actuation, providing users with a responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a short travel distance for quick actuation, offering users a smooth and responsive feel with each keystroke. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Salt Ice providing a lighter touch and the Smoothie Silver offering a quicker actuation time.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Salt Ice switch provides a brighter and clackier sound with a light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch offers a smoother sound with a quick actuation time. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you prioritize bright and clacky feedback with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch would be an excellent choice for an energetic and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, deciding between these switches comes down to personal preference and what typing feel and sound you prefer.
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