Gateron Quinn vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Quinn and Jerrzi Salt Ice offer unique typing experiences. The Quinn switch is a tactile switch that provides a crisp and light tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile, making each keystroke feel rich and immersive. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is a linear switch known for its bright and clacky characteristics, coupled with a light touch for effortless actuation. While the Quinn switch offers a more polished and bassy feel, the Salt Ice switch delivers a more energetic and responsive 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
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer unique sound profiles based on the type of plastic used. The Quinn's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder profile. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, thanks to its stiffer composition that creates a more resonant profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound experiences that can cater to different preferences.
Similarly, the bottom housing of the Quinn and Salt Ice switches also differ in material and sound profiles. The Quinn's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, similar to its top housing, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharp, crisp sound signature of the switch. This distinction demonstrates how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience, from the tactile feel to the audible feedback generated with each key press. Whether you prefer a softer, rounder sound or a sharper, crisper tone, both switches offer a unique blend of qualities to suit various preferences.
Overall, the distribution of housing materials in a switch can affect different aspects of the typing experience. While the Quinn and Salt Ice switches feature contrasting housing materials for their tops and bottoms, the impact on sound profile and tactile feedback remains consistent with the properties of nylon and polycarbonate. Whether you prioritize a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper tone, understanding how these materials interact with each other can help you choose the switch that best fits your typing preferences. Both switches offer a blend of unique qualities that showcase the versatility of housing materials in creating distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch. The Quinn requires 59 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 67 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy option. On the other hand, the Salt Ice only needs 45 grams to actuate a keystroke, with no information available on the bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Salt Ice is lighter, which may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience or prolonged use without fatigue. Meanwhile, the Quinn provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces. Both switches offer different experiences, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they choose to use. The equal travel distance of 3.4 mm for both switches makes them ideal for individuals who prefer a moderate amount of key travel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deep and resonant typing experience with a crisp and bright tone that adds character to each keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky sound profile, creating a vibrant and energetic typing experience. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback, with the Quinn being more bassy and resonant while the Salt Ice is bright and clacky. However, the actual sound produced also depends on additional factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a prominent tactile bump. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch lacks specific descriptors for feel characteristics. However, based on the provided information for both switches, users can expect a responsive and lively typing experience with the Salt Ice switch due to its light touch and effortless actuation.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch stands out for its unique combination of crisp tactility and deep sound profile, providing a precise and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, making it a standout choice for users seeking an energetic and responsive typing feel. Both switches have their own distinct qualities and can cater to different preferences, but users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your typing preferences and priorities. If you value a unique and immersive tactile typing experience with a deep and resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force may be the optimal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with a light touch, the Salt Ice switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and sound characteristics. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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