Huano Acacia vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences, despite being linear switches. The Huano Acacia stands out for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize a balanced feel and want to enjoy consistent performance without the need for extensive customization. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice captures attention with its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, delivering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. This switch is perfect for those who thrive on an energetic and responsive typing experience, making every keystroke feel lively. Both switches have their strengths, whether you seek a solid and refined typing experience or a more dynamic and engaging feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Huano Acacia and Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a striking similarity in their sound profiles. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiff plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that enhances clarity and resonance. This uniformity in material choice results in an aesthetically pleasing translucency, which is particularly beneficial for key switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. Both switches, therefore, capitalize on polycarbonate’s unique properties, ensuring that users can expect a vibrant visual and auditory experience when employing these models.
However, the bottom housing of the Huano Acacia diverges from that of the Jerrzi Salt Ice, as the Acacia opts for nylon, while the Salt Ice maintains a polycarbonate composition. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound waves due to its softer plastic structure. Consequently, this results in a rounded and more muted bottom-out experience, contrasting with the crisper sound produced by the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. As a result, the performance characteristics of each switch become distinctly influenced by the materials used in their bottom housings, with the Acacia offering a warmer and more absorbent feel compared to the harsher tone of the Salt Ice.
Ultimately, the combined materials contribute to a unique overall performance for each model. The Huano Acacia's blend of polycarbonate and nylon hones in on clarity in the upper registers while delivering a softer, richer sound at the bottom. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice’s full polycarbonate construction ensures a consistent sharpness across both top and bottom, creating a distinctly resonant switch experience. Each switch provides its own nuanced auditory feedback, with the dual-material approach in the Acacia allowing for a more complex sound profile, whereas the Salt Ice offers unity in sound delivery. As a result, while both switches share a commonality in their top housing, the variance in bottom materials produces distinct, yet complementary, results in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of triggering a keystroke. This commonality makes both switches suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Huano Acacia switch has a clear bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is unknown. This lack of information about the Salt Ice switch means users cannot fully ascertain the resistance felt when pressing all the way down. Consequently, the Huano Acacia offers a more complete profile for those who enjoy a moderate bottoming out experience. Overall, while both switches provide a light actuation force, the Acacia is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, which some users might prefer for a more substantial tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Acacia offers a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Salt Ice measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This difference, though minimal, means that the Acacia provides a more substantial key press experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel for their switches. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it provides a more rapid actuation. Therefore, for those who favor a more responsive feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is the shorter option, while the Huano Acacia linear switch is the longer one, offering a more pronounced tactile depth.
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 Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 per 10 switches.
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 Huano Acacia linear switch offers a sound profile that is generally subtle and smooth, largely defined by its medium-light weight and factory lubrication. This combination results in a muted yet satisfying sound when typing, making it ideal for users looking for a quieter experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is recognized for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics. This switch produces a livelier auditory feedback that resonates with a more energetic sound, allowing the user to feel a sense of excitement with every keystroke. Thus, while the Acacia offers a polished and refined sound, the Salt Ice delivers a bolder auditory experience that can be more pronounced depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch is characterized by a well-balanced experience marked by generous lubrication, which contributes to a smooth actuation without significant stem wobble. This results in a typing experience that is both soft and controlled, allowing for comfortable extended use. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its vibrant feedback and light actuation, providing a more lively and responsive sensation. Users will find that the Salt Ice requires less force to activate, creating a dynamic typing rhythm that many might enjoy for both gaming and casual typing.
In conclusion, while the Huano Acacia linear switch is tailored for those who prefer a quieter and smoother experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch caters to individuals seeking a more energetic and clacky sound with a responsive feel. Depending on what type of auditory and tactile feedback one desires, both switches have their unique attributes that can cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, users seeking a refined experience may opt for the Acacia, while those looking for excitement and liveliness may gravitate towards the Salt Ice. Regardless of choice, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a medium-light actuation that pairs well with a smooth and well-lubricated feel, the Acacia switch could be your ideal match. It's particularly well-suited for those who value a reliable and consistent typing experience right out of the box, making it great for both casual use and prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more vibrant and clacky typing experience that provides lively auditory feedback, the Salt Ice switch is likely to appeal to you. Its lighter touch and energetic responsiveness make it perfect for users who thrive on feedback and desire a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. In balancing these attributes, consider your typing style, the environment you’ll be using the keyboard in, and whether you prioritize sound, feel, or actuation force. With these factors in mind, you can confidently select the switch that resonates most with your unique typing experience.
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