Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two contenders in this space are the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Salt Ice is recognized for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing energetic feedback and effortless actuation, making it the ideal choice for those who crave a lively and responsive typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more understated experience with its subtle to moderate tactile feel, delivering a balanced sound profile that caters to users who appreciate a gentle tactile bump without overly disrupting their workflow. Choosing between the Salt Ice and the Weightlessness ultimately boils down to personal preference—whether you lean towards a vibrant, lively feel or a more controlled, tactile approach. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the Gateron Weightlessness, it is evident that they employ different plastics, which consequently influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, providing a consistent quality that fosters a sharper and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature allows sound waves to resonate more clearly, which yields a more pronounced auditory feedback upon pressing and releasing keys. This characteristic not only enhances the tactile experience but also makes the switch particularly compatible with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucent nature that showcases illumination effectively.
In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a distinct auditory signature marked by a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, thus creating a duller and rounder pitch that many typists may find comforting. The utilization of nylon is a nod to traditional switch materials and serves to produce a classic typing feel that fosters a different emotional response than polycarbonate components. As both switches embrace different material strengths, the Weightlessness's sound profile tends to prioritize a more subdued experience, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter type of auditory feedback.
Despite these differences in materials and resulting sound profiles, there are ways in which both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and Gateron Weightlessness can yield similar typing experiences. For example, even though the Salt Ice’s polycarbonate results in a sharper sound, when paired with compatible keycaps and careful acoustic considerations, aspects of both switches can converge, potentially leading to desired outcomes based on individual preferences. Additionally, the overall feel of the switches can still be enjoyable despite the contrasting sound profiles, as the mechanics of switch operation largely drive the tactile engagement regardless of whether the housing is made from polycarbonate or nylon. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user desires, showcasing the diversity available within mechanical keyboard technology.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that their actuation forces differ slightly, with the Salt Ice requiring 45 grams, while the Weightlessness requires a heavier 50 grams to register a keystroke. This distinction means that the Salt Ice may be more suitable for typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch for extended periods, potentially reducing finger fatigue. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to compare their total resistance when pressed all the way down. Regardless, given that the Weightlessness switch offers a heavier actuation force, it suggests a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a firmer push. Thus, for those seeking a lighter switch, the Jerrzi Salt Ice would be the preferable choice, while those who desire a stronger push may lean towards the Gateron Weightlessness.
Travel distance
Both the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress sensitivity regardless of which switch they choose, as both switches offer the same travel distance. Therefore, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of key feel rather than travel distance.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by a highly bright and clacky nature, which contributes to a lively auditory experience while typing. This energetic sound can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy an engaging typing session. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch produces a more subtle to moderate sound that aligns with its balanced tactile characteristics. The quieter acoustics of the Weightlessness may appeal to users looking for a more subdued typing experience that doesn't distract from their environment. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound output of both switches can vary significantly based on the keyboard they are mounted in and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switch is noted for its light touch and effortless actuation, making it ideal for users who prefer a responsive and nimbly engaging typing experience. This switch tends to provide a quick, fluid motion as the keys press down, which can be great for fast typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch offers a tactile feedback that is subtle to moderate, allowing users to feel a discernible bump without the strong resistance often associated with tactile switches. This characteristic presents a balanced typing experience, making it suitable for those who want feedback without overwhelming force.
In summary, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is well-suited for users appreciating vivid auditory sensations and a light, responsive feel, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch caters to those who prefer a balanced and moderate tactile sensation paired with a less pronounced sound. Each switch offers its distinct character, ensuring that both types can satisfy different preferences in typing experience, leading to a personal choice based on individual requirements in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire. If you delve into your work or gaming and crave a lively, energetic feel with a bright, clacky sound, the Salt Ice switches are your best bet. Their smooth actuation and minimal resistance provide a responsive experience that can keep you engaged for hours, making them ideal for fast-paced tasks or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a more grounded and balanced sound profile with a modest tactile feedback, the Weightlessness switches would better suit your needs. Their gentle tactile bump offers a gratifying sensation without overwhelming your fingers for long typing sessions. In essence, choose Salt Ice when you want that electric and spirited feel, and lean toward Weightlessness for a more composed and subtly tactile experience. Your ultimate decision will stem from your personal preferences in sound and feedback, so think about what best enhances your typing or gaming style.
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