Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jerrzi Violet. The Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, is best known for its medium-weight, all-POM construction that delivers a satisfying thocky sound profile along with remarkable smoothness during key presses. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience favored by gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches are gentle tactile switches that offer a smooth actuation complemented by a distinctively poppy tactility, providing a feedback-rich feel with a neutral sound signature. These switches cater to users who appreciate a tactile response that enhances their typing experience, making it more engaging. Ultimately, the choice between the Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jerrzi Violet hinges on personal typing style and preferences; 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
48g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and the Jerrzi Violet switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which is known for creating a deeper, more muted sound. This material's unique acoustic properties provide a pleasing and satisfying auditory experience, particularly suited for users who prefer a discrete sound while typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant audio feedback, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response with each key press. The choice of housing material in these switches inherently alters the typing experience and overall sound signature.
Examining the bottom housings, the Sea Salt Smoothie opts for a POM material similar to its top housing, which likewise offers a deeper, more personalized sound profile that is relatively muted. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is constructed with a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic choice known for its softer properties, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a fuller, rounder sound profile, providing a satisfying bottom-out feel. Therefore, while both switches feature unique combinations of materials, their contrasting bottom housings further enhance their distinct auditory identities, contributing to the overall feel of the switches when engaged.
When these switches are actuated, the interplay between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. Users will experience the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM plastic delivering a consistent deeper sound that harmonizes with the muted characteristics of its bottom housing. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet's polycarbonate top housing will provide a crisp sound when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom makes for a more robust and fuller response as the key bottoms out. This differentiation in the materials allows for varied auditory experiences; however, if a user aims for similar results, they can optimize setups through placement of sound-absorbing features like a silicone dampener or careful switch mounting to mitigate excess noise, regardless of whichever switch they choose.
Weight
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch are comparable in their actuation forces, with the Sea Salt Smoothie requiring 48 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Violet needs just 45 grams. This means that the Violet switch is slightly lighter, potentially offering more comfort for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces for both switches remain unavailable, leaving a gap in our knowledge for a complete comparison in terms of bottoming out. Despite this, users can expect to feel a similar level of responsiveness in both switches based on their actuation forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch will find the Violet more appealing, whereas those who appreciate a slightly firmer feel might opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie. Overall, the choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired comfort during long usage periods.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 3.7 mm, meaning that users will experience a comparable feel when pressing down on each key. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches provide similar results in terms of key actuation depth, which can enhance the overall typing experience. Therefore, whether one prefers the smooth, uninterrupted feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie or the tactile feedback of the Violet, the travel distance remains consistent at 3.7 mm for both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch produces a thocky sound profile, which many find appealing for its deep and resonant qualities. This makes it suitable for a satisfying auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch has a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate sound level that complements its versatility. The Violet's balanced auditory profile allows it to fit seamlessly into both home and workplace environments. It is important to note that the overall sound experience is influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so both switches may vary slightly based on these factors.
When it comes to feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is best known for its exceptional smoothness during key presses, which can enhance the typing experience through a seamless actuation. This smooth action contributes to the overall enjoyment, especially for those who favor linear switches. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet switch features a stepped tactile feel, which provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This mild tactile feedback encompasses a slight pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation, making it distinctly different from the smoother Sea Salt Smoothie. The choice between the two will largely depend on whether you prefer the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a gentle tactile switch.
In summary, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie and Jerrzi Violet switches embody different sound and feel characteristics catering to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound and a smooth keystroke experience, while the Violet provides a neutral sound with a gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory satisfaction or tactile response in your typing experience. Each switch offers a unique quality that can transform the typing experience, making either a viable option based on individual style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent option, especially for those who enjoy a seamless keystroke without tactile feedback interruptions. This makes it particularly suited for gaming aficionados or individuals who type extensively and value a consistent feel. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile response that provides a bit more feedback during your keystrokes, the Jerrzi Violet switch could be the better choice for you. Its gentle tactile bump offers a satisfying feeling while typing, lending itself well to mixed use, whether for work or casual typing. The neutral sound signature of the Violet also makes it suitable for environments where noise could be a concern, allowing for a balanced experience. Ultimately, consideration of your specific use case, whether it leans towards gaming or typing comfort, will guide you in selecting the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard experience.
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