HMX Cloud - 63.5g vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences while maintaining their linear design. The HMX Cloud - 63.5g is celebrated for its delightful clacky sound profile and heavier actuation force, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a firmer yet silky smooth typing experience. This switch embodies a vibrant and bouncy feeling, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice offers a lighter touch and exceptional brightness in sound, promoting an energetic and highly responsive experience that is ideal for fast typists or gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. While both switches claim a similar linear feel, their distinct auditory and tactile feedback can significantly influence user satisfaction. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
56g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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 single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, significant differences emerge between their respective top housings. The Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material's sound-dampening properties allow for a more muted acoustic experience, resulting in a duller resonance that can feel warm and inviting. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is firmer and more resilient. This stiffness generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, characterized by clarity and resonance. The distinct acoustic properties of nylon versus polycarbonate create varying auditory experiences, with the former providing a more subdued sound and the latter offering a more vibrant and stimulating auditory response.
In examining the bottom housing, the contrast between the two switches becomes even clearer. The Cloud - 63.5g's nylon bottom housing reinforces its overall sound profile, contributing to a low-end fullness that complements the softer texture of the top housing. This synergy allows for a typing experience that feels rich and rounded. Conversely, the Salt Ice sports a polycarbonate bottom housing, enhancing the sharpness and clarity of sounds produced during keystrokes. This rigidity enhances the responsiveness and stability of each key press, fostering a more pronounced acoustic signature compared to the Cloud - 63.5g. Thus, while both switches utilize different materials, their unique sound profiles complement each other based on the distinct qualities of the housing materials.
Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings of each switch, it is important to note that similar typing experiences can be achieved by understanding how housing qualities interact. Both switches may elicit contrasting sound profiles due to their differing materials, but the depth of sound from the Cloud - 63.5g can be balanced against the clarity and crispness of the Salt Ice. This means a typist may find satisfaction in the combination of a rich, muted feel from the Cloud and a sharper feedback from the Salt Ice. Thus, regardless of the inherent material characteristics, users have the potential to tailor their experience based on personal preference, leading to enjoyable outcomes from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Cloud switch has a higher actuation force of 56 grams, while the Salt Ice switch is lighter at 45 grams. This means that the Cloud switch requires a stronger push for keystrokes, which can be beneficial for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the lighter actuation force of the Salt Ice switch makes it easier to press, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, while the bottom out force for the Cloud switch is specified at 63.5 grams, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison. Overall, users looking for a heavier feel would likely gravitate towards the HMX Cloud switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch might favor the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Cloud switch features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, whereas the Salt Ice switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the HMX Cloud switch offers a deeper keystroke, which some users might prefer for a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch, with its shorter travel distance, could be more appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times and more rapid actuation. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a balance of depth and responsiveness, the Cloud - 63.5g might be the better choice. Conversely, if you prioritize speed and prefer a less pronounced keystroke, the Salt Ice switch would suit you better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch is recognized for its clacky characteristics, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is crisp and high-pitched. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a bright and percussive typing experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is not specified, leaving an unknown element in its sound quality. However, both switches likely aim to provide a lively sound experience suitable for enthusiastic typists, but the direct comparison suffers from the lack of detailed information on the Salt Ice.
In terms of feel, the Cloud - 63.5g offers users a distinctive experience characterized by its bouncy and creamy textures. The bouncy sensation allows for a lively rebound when keys are pressed, reminiscent of a spring-like action, while the creamy aspect provides a silky-smooth typing experience that allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. The feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch, however, remains unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how it may compare in delivering feedback and comfort. This makes it difficult to predict if one would find a similar tactile experience with the Salt Ice as they would with the more defined characteristics of the Cloud switch.
Overall, if you are drawn to a bright, clacky sound and a smooth, responsive feel, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switch stands out with well-documented qualities. The Salt Ice may also appeal to those who prioritize an energetic typing experience, but the precise sound and feel attributes remain unclear, making direct comparisons challenging. Both switches promise a lively and enjoyable experience, but the Cloud - 63.5g provides a more tangible prospect for users looking for identifiable qualities in both sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HMX Cloud - 63.5g and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches, it really comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy feel with notable feedback, the Cloud - 63.5g is the way to go. Its clacky sound and bouncy, creamy texture will appeal to those who appreciate a lively typing experience, and the 63.5g bottom-out force strikes a balance between effort and responsiveness, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and seek an energetic, effortlessly responsive switch, the Salt Ice could be your ideal choice. With its bright, vibrant sound profile and exceptionally smooth actuation, it caters especially well to users who enjoy an engaging and immediate feedback sensation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how these characteristics align with your own typing habits and sound preferences, whether you lean towards a heavier, more tactile experience or a lighter, snappier feel.
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