HMX Deep Navy vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique advantages for typists and gamers alike, despite being linear switches. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smoothness thanks to its full nylon construction and specialized Ly stem design, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a luxurious typing experience coupled with a refined auditory feedback. In contrast, the Salt Ice switches are known for their bright and clacky characteristics, delivering an energetic and responsive typing experience that caters to users who thrive on vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. While the Deep Navy focuses on a premium feel and sound, the Salt Ice prioritizes an engaging and lively interaction with each keystroke. 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

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it becomes clear that they employ distinctly different approaches to sound production and aesthetic presentation. The Deep Navy incorporates nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which is a time-honored choice in switch designs. This material imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile, characteristic of its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. The overall impression when using switches that feature nylon housing is one of warmth, making it a preferred choice for users who favor richness in their typing sounds.

In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, which dramatically changes the sound profile associated with these switches. Polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, produces a sharper and crisper auditory experience. The stiffer nature of the material leads to clearer and more resonant sound, elevating the overall typing experience to a more precise and bright soundscape. Moreover, polycarbonate's translucent qualities make it particularly advantageous for setups incorporating RGB lighting, as it allows illumination to shine through, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Despite the differing materials, the sound characteristics produced by each switch can be distinctly felt due to their respective housing compositions. In the case of both the Deep Navy and Salt Ice, the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will affect the sound upon release. Thus, while the nylon housing of the Deep Navy promotes a more lush and subdued acoustics, the polycarbonate housing of the Salt Ice creates an engaging clarity. Users can achieve their preferred auditory profile depending on the material combination they choose, which significantly impacts their overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy features a light actuation force of 40 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer longer typing sessions without much strain. In contrast, the Salt Ice has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a stronger push feel. While the Deep Navy's bottom out force is 45 grams, giving a clear measurement of its resistance when fully pressed, the Salt Ice does not specify a bottom out force, leaving that measurement unknown. Ultimately, the Deep Navy is the lighter option, whereas the Salt Ice is heavier in terms of actuation force, catering to different preferences in typing experience. If a user values a lighter switch for extended periods, the Deep Navy would be the better choice, while those desiring more feedback might lean toward the Salt Ice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the differences are clear. The Deep Navy features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Salt Ice. This difference in travel distance may influence user experience; those who prefer a more responsive feel may gravitate toward the Salt Ice due to its shorter travel, allowing for quicker key presses. Conversely, users favoring a deeper keystroke may find the Deep Navy more appealing, as its longer travel distance offers a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, if you're looking for quicker response times, the Salt Ice is the better choice, while the Deep Navy is likely to suit those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch delivers a rich and sharp sound profile, primarily due to its full nylon construction, which enhances the auditory experience with each keystroke. This results in a more subdued yet refined sound, appealing to those who prefer a smoother acoustic signature. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offers exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, which contribute to a vibrant auditory experience. The lively sound of the Salt Ice switch can energize the typing experience, making it more engaging for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with their keystrokes. It’s important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used, so results may vary.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch is characterized by its silky smoothness, courtesy of the Ly stem design that allows for effortless key presses. This creates a seamless typing experience, ideal for users who prioritize a polished and continuous feel during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch stands out with its light touch and vibrant feedback. This switch's quick actuation makes typing feel energetic and responsive, catering to users who thrive on a more dynamic and tactile experience. Each switch caters to different preferences in feel, offering unique typing sensations for users.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches present distinct offerings in terms of sound and feel, catering to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Deep Navy with its sharp and rich sound, paired with a silky smooth feel, caters to those who enjoy a refined typing experience. Conversely, the Salt Ice provides a bright and clacky sound profile alongside an energetic feel, ideal for users who seek a more spirited interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding the auditory and tactile components of your typing experience, ensuring there's a unique option for every type of user.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the kind of feedback you enjoy. If you favor a smoother, more refined typing experience with a rich sound profile, the Deep Navy switches are an excellent choice. Their lightweight 45-gram actuation makes them ideal for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, and the full nylon construction adds durability to their silky, consistent keystrokes. On the other hand, if you thrive on an energetic, vibrant typing feel and appreciate a clacky sound that resonates with each press, the Salt Ice switches will serve you well. Their lightweight actuation allows for quick, responsive typing that can enhance your productivity, making them perfect for fast-paced gaming or frequent typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer a smooth, deep auditory experience or a lively, engaging feedback when typing.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more