HMX 1989 vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX 1989 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The HMX 1989, hailed for its deep and thocky sound profile, caters to users who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while typing or gaming, creating an immersive experience that many enthusiasts crave. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice excels with its bright, clacky characteristics that deliver a lively sensation with every keystroke, making it a preferred choice for those seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. While the HMX 1989's robust feel might appeal to those who enjoy a more profound presence in their typing, the Salt Ice's lighter touch offers quick actuations ideal for rapid inputs. Both switches have their unique allure, but 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, it is evident that both feature polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material provides a distinctly sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate, known for its relative stiffness, ensures that sound waves resonate more clearly compared to softer plastics. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting, but also ensures that users will experience visually striking illumination effects. As such, both the HMX 1989 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice exhibit similar acoustic characteristics for the top housing, enabling an enhanced auditory experience.
In contrasting the bottom housings, however, a significant difference emerges: the HMX 1989 utilizes nylon, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice opts for polycarbonate. The choice of nylon in the 1989's bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which effectively absorbs sound and creates a rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's choice of polycarbonate for the bottom housing leans towards a clearer and crisper sound. This divergence in material choice influences the overall typing experience; when users press down on the 1989, they will feel the richness imparted by the nylon bottom, whereas the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom will result in a more pronounced and resonant acoustics.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches serves to bifurcate the auditory experiences they provide. The HMX 1989's nylon bottom combines harmoniously with the polycarbonate top, balancing resonance and impact with clarity and brightness. Conversely, the Salt Ice harnesses the qualities of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings, resulting in an overall sharper sound profile. Users looking for a dual sound experience may prefer the HMX 1989 due to its nylon integration, while those favoring a more consistent experience may lean towards the Salt Ice. Despite their differing bottom housings, the effect of each top housing ensures a similar sonic profile when releasing keys, highlighting how essential material selection is in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which suggests that users will experience a similar effort when triggering a keystroke, making both options suitable for extended typing sessions. However, the HMX 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a slightly more substantial feel when pressing the switch all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unavailable, leaving an unknown aspect of its tactile feedback at that stage. Overall, the HMX 1989 is the heavier option due to its bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced response when typing, while both switches maintain the same actuation force for ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there is a notable difference. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a more pronounced feel when pressing down on a key, ideal for those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it more responsive and suitable for gamers or those who favor quicker actuation. This reduction in travel distance can lead to faster response times but may feel abrupt to some users. Thus, if you're looking for a more traditional and deeper typing experience, the HMX 1989 is the preferable option, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice is better for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. Overall, the HMX 1989 is the longer switch, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX 1989 switch is noted for its deep and thocky characteristics, providing a robust auditory feedback that can foster a satisfying and compelling experience for users who appreciate a more muted acoustic profile. This deep thock is often favored in environments where typing noise is kept to a minimum or in settings where a more polished sound is desirable. Conversely, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch produces a vibrant and clacky sound, which appeals to users who enjoy a lively and resilient acoustic experience with bright soundscapes. This characteristic not only makes it exciting to type on but also contributes to a spirited atmosphere for those who favor pronounced auditory feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the HMX 1989 provides a smooth linear experience, characterized by its deliberate actuation that many find both satisfying and stable during extended typing sessions, leading to a feeling of control and precision. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch emphasizes a light touch that makes for effortless actuation, promoting a more energetic typing style. This lighter feel can encourage rapid keystrokes and provides a tactile playfulness, making it an inviting choice for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience.
Considering both the sound and feel, the HMX 1989 excels with its deep sound profile and stable, controlled actuation, perfect for those seeking a more refined typing experience. The Salt Ice, on the other hand, stands out with its bright auditory presence and light touch actuation, catering to users who thrive on energetic and responsive feedback. While both switches offer a linear experience, users can expect distinctly different auditory and tactile sensations from each, allowing them to choose based on their personal preferences for either an intimate thock or an energetic clack.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a switch that provides a balanced yet noticeable response, the HMX 1989 might be the perfect fit for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience, especially beneficial if you're gaming or typing for extended periods. Known for its deep, “thocky” sound profile, the HMX 1989 brings a level of richness that many typists and gamers find satisfying, particularly if you appreciate a more substantial auditory response. On the other hand, if you seek an energetic and dynamic typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice could be your top choice. It's crafted for those who enjoy a lively, clacky sound and a very light touch, which translates to rapid actuation without much effort. This makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who require quick key presses. In summary, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a deeper, more traditional feel with a tactile response (HMX 1989) or a light, vibrant, and responsive experience (Jerrzi Salt Ice).
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