HMX FJ400 vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX FJ400 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX FJ400 and the Jerrzi Salt Ice stand out in the world of linear switches, each offering unique features and characteristics catering to different preferences. The FJ400 is recognized for its balanced sound profile, providing a satisfying middle ground that appeals to users who desire a harmonious typing experience without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches shine with their bright and clacky traits, delivering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for those seeking a more energetic and responsive feel while typing. While both switches are linear and share the smooth actuation that typists often love, the choice between them may ultimately come down to personal preference for sound and feedback. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
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
The HMX FJ400 and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches utilize distinctly different materials for their housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences. The FJ400 features a top housing made from polyoxymethylene (POM), which is known for producing a deeper sound that is relatively more muted. This characteristic results in a warm auditory experience, making it appealing for users who prefer softer and fuller sounds when typing. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, yielding a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in material stiffness means that while the Salt Ice delivers a more clear and resonant auditory experience, the FJ400 prioritizes a richer and more rounded sound.
In terms of their bottom housings, the FJ400 incorporates nylon, a classic choice among switches that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs sound better than stiffer materials. The Soft Nylon material facilitates a softer bottom-out feel, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who enjoy a cushioned touch. Conversely, the Salt Ice relies on polycarbonate for its bottom housing, aligning with the same sound properties found in its top housing. This choice reinforces the high-pitched and sharp auditory experience, making the overall feedback more pronounced and engaging. Thus, while the FJ400 focuses on a more muted sound, the Salt Ice brings clarity and brightness to every keystroke.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials used in the FJ400 and Salt Ice affect how sound and tactile feedback are perceived. The FJ400, with its combination of POM and nylon, creates a more rounded, deeper sound that is ideal for those who appreciate a subdued typing experience. In comparison, the Salt Ice’s polycarbonate housings deliver a distinctly high-pitched, sharp auditory experience. Despite these differences, both switches can yield satisfying results in their own right, emphasizing the importance of personal preference when selecting a housing material. Users can achieve a unique blend of sound and feel through each switch, producing a tailored typing experience based on individual desires, while sharing common features and aesthetics—particularly in RGB illumination compatibility with polycarbonate housings.
Weight
The HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The FJ400 has an actuation force of 50 grams, which offers a medium typing resistance, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor effortless keystrokes, particularly beneficial during extended typing or gaming sessions. While the FJ400 has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing clear feedback when a key is fully pressed, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice is unavailable, which limits a direct comparison in that regard. This means that while the FJ400 delivers a heavier overall experience with both actuation and bottom out forces, the Salt Ice remains lighter overall, appealing to those who prefer reduced strain on their fingers. Therefore, if both actuation and bottom out forces were known for the Salt Ice, we could expect a comparatively lighter typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The HMX FJ400 linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the FJ400 offers a more substantial key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile feel when typing. In contrast, the Salt Ice's shorter travel distance could provide a more responsive experience, making it a suitable choice for gamers and those who prioritize speedy keystrokes. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a hearty depth, the FJ400's longer travel distance may be more to your liking, whereas the Salt Ice's shorter travel offers the potential for quicker response times.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX FJ400 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the FJ400 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 FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably in the middle ground. It provides a pleasant auditory experience without overwhelming the user with noise, making it suitable for both quiet work environments and casual gaming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics. This vibrant sound is particularly appealing to those looking for a more energetic auditory feedback when typing and gaming. The contrast in sound profiles offers users distinct auditory cues, allowing them to choose based on personal preference and their workspace environment.
When it comes to feel, the FJ400 is characterized by its smooth linear action, providing a gentle transition from top to bottom without any tactile bumps. This results in a consistent keystroke that some users may find appealing for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch boasts an effortlessly responsive feel, allowing for light touches and quick actuation. This quality makes it particularly engaging for users who enjoy a fast-paced typing experience, as it provides immediate feedback without unnecessary resistance.
Overall, both the HMX FJ400 and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. While the FJ400 offers a balanced sound and smooth typing experience, the Salt Ice switch excels with its bright sound and responsive feel. Ultimately, each switch can contribute to an enjoyable typing environment depending on what qualities you prioritize—be it a more subdued auditory feedback or an energetic tactile sensation. Choosing between them will come down to individual taste and the specific experience you're looking to achieve with your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX FJ400 linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, your decision largely hinges on your typing preferences and what you seek to achieve in your keyboard experience. If you're looking for a switch that provides a balanced sound profile and a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams, the FJ400 is an excellent option. It caters well to users who want a reliable, consistent typing feel without overwhelming feedback, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. Conversely, if you prefer a more vibrant and energetic typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches may be your go-to choice. With their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, they offer a lighter touch and responsive feedback that many users find exhilarating. Ultimately, your final choice will depend on whether you prioritize a balanced feel with moderate resistance or a lively, effortless actuation that enhances the tactile experience.
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