Huano Elf vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you're after. The Huano Elf switches are renowned for their unique POK top housing, which enhances acoustics to deliver a satisfying deep sound profile alongside a medium-light feel. This makes them appealing for users who appreciate a more mellow auditory experience while typing, providing a balanced blend of feedback and comfort. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches offer a starkly different experience with their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics. Their light touch and energetic feedback cater to users seeking a more responsive typing experience, making every keystroke feel invigorating and lively. Both switches have their unique strengths, catering to different preferences in sound and 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

Huano Elf Linear

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches, distinct differences emerge that significantly influence their respective sound profiles and overall durability. The Huano Elf utilizes a polyketone (POK) material for its top housing, which is renowned for its smoothness and wear resistance. This material's coefficient of friction (0.04) is slightly higher than that of Nylon (0.03), but still offers exceptional durability, being 14 times stronger than POM and boasting superior shock resistance. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer properties. While both materials contribute to a smooth actuation, the sound signature of each switch diverges; the Elf's POK material emphasizes a clacky and robust auditory experience, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate yields a clearer, higher-pitched response.

The bottom housing differs as well, further amplifying the contrast between the two switches' characters. The Huano Elf's bottom housing is made of nylon, which is softer and thus leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile; this acoustic trait is valued by users seeking a more muted typing experience. In stark contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, which contributes to a brighter and more resonant sound. The result is a switch that not only feels different on actuation but also sounds notably sharper. Consequently, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice align in using polycarbonate, the Elf distinguishes itself through the combination of POK and nylon, ultimately affecting the typing feedback and overall aesthetic presentation of the switches.

In essence, the differences in housing materials between the Huano Elf and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches result in unique auditory and tactile experiences for users. The Elf's POK top housing, coupled with a nylon bottom, provides a balance of smooth and clacky feedback, ideal for users who enjoy nuanced key presses that are rich and textured. Conversely, the Salt Ice's dual polycarbonate construction fosters a clearer and sharper auditory response, particularly suited for those who prefer a more distinct sound when typing. Thus, while both switch designs can yield satisfying performance, their material compositions evoke distinctly different sensations, catering to varying preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces. The Elf switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Salt Ice switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the Elf may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, whereas the Salt Ice's higher actuation force could appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, leaving us without a definitive comparison in that regard. However, based on their actuation forces, one can expect that users of the Huano Elf will find a lighter feel in their typing experience compared to the more resistant Jerrzi Salt Ice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Elf offers a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm compared to the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm. This 0.2 mm difference reflects the Elf's more pronounced keypress, which may provide a feeling of a more substantial bottom-out effect, ideal for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Salt Ice’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the Salt Ice is the better choice; however, if you enjoy the tactile sensation of a deeper keypress, the Huano Elf will be more satisfying to you.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf linear switch is renowned for its deep sound signature, which creates a rich auditory experience during typing. This is enhanced by its POK top housing that focuses on acoustics, delivering a satisfying and resonant sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch features exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, producing a vibrant sound that stands out in contrast to the deeper tones of the Elf. The choice of keycaps and keyboard also plays a crucial role in how these switches perform acoustically, so users can expect a unique auditory profile depending on their setup.

When considering the feel of the switches, the Elf offers a medium-light actuation, which results in a very satisfying typing experience that balances just the right amount of resistance without feeling overly heavy. It’s designed to be comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Salt Ice boasts a notably light touch, which allows for effortless actuation and contributes to a more dynamic and energetic feedback. This combination makes the Salt Ice an appealing option for those who prioritize quick response times and an engaging typing sensation.

In summary, while both switches offer their unique sound and feel characteristics, the Huano Elf provides a deep and resonant auditory experience with a medium-light feel, whereas the Jerrzi Salt Ice excels with its bright and clacky sound profile along with an exceptionally light actuation. Depending on individual preferences for auditory and tactile engagement, one may choose either switch to achieve a satisfying typing experience tailored to their style.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a more balanced sound profile with a slightly deeper resonance, along with a medium-light feel that provides satisfaction without being overly heavy, the Elf is likely your best bet. This switch is particularly suited for users who enjoy a typing experience that isn’t overly energetic and tends to favor a subtle acoustic profile. On the other hand, if you thrive on a lively and engaging typing sensation, the Salt Ice switch may be the right choice for you. Its bright and clacky sound, combined with a light touch and vibrant feedback, makes it excellent for those who wish to have a more responsive and spirited feel while typing. Thus, consider your own typing habits: if you prefer a refined and muted sound, lean towards the Elf; if you want to feel invigorated as you type, the Salt Ice is your go-to.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more