HMX Gravel vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular choices among enthusiasts are the HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, both linear switches. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that ensures a responsive yet effortless typing experience. This makes it an excellent option for users who prioritize continuous, fluid strokes while minimizing fatigue over long typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice offers a unique twist with its bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch that delivers vibrant feedback and quick actuation. This switch is perfect for those who thrive on an energetic typing experience, where each keystroke feels lively and engaging. While both switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on smoothness and the other on feedback—they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches both utilize a polycarbonate top housing, thereby creating similarities in their acoustic profiles. The use of polycarbonate in this aspect lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound quality to both switches. This is largely attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate top facilitates vibrant RGB lighting effects, making these switches not only functional but also visually appealing. Consequently, users who prioritize sound clarity and aesthetic presentation will find both the HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Salt Ice appealing for similar reasons.

However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ significantly, which results in a contrast in their overall acoustic qualities. The HMX Gravel employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its soft and absorbent nature, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This housing material effectively absorbs sound, thus generating a duller, rounder acoustic experience during typing. In stark contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the sharpness and clarity of its top housing. This dual use of polycarbonate means the Salt Ice will likely produce a consistent sound profile that is bright and resonant throughout, differing from the more variable sound profile of the Gravel.

Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials leads to different experiences with each switch. While both the Gravel and Salt Ice share a high-quality polycarbonate top that fosters clear sound reproduction, the Gravel's nylon bottom adds depth and warmth to the acoustic experience. Users can expect a more pronounced sound profile from the Gravel when bottoming out, while the Salt Ice will maintain a brighter sound regardless of input. Thus, the differences in bottom housing create distinct auditory experiences, highlighting the importance of housing materials in the overall functionality and feel of keyboard switches.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar keystroke response when typing or gaming. This shared actuation force will support a light typing experience, making it suitable for extended use, whether at work or during long gaming sessions. However, a key distinction lies in their bottom out forces; the Gravel has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which offers a slightly firmer feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Salt Ice lacks a defined bottom out force, rendering that variable unknown. Overall, while both switches share a light actuation force conducive to endurance, the Gravel’s designated bottom out force provides a tangible, heavier feeling at the end of the keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Gravel measures 3.5 mm, making it the longer option between the two, while the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers often lean towards the shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, so the Salt Ice might be more appealing for those seeking speed in their typing or gaming experience. Conversely, the Gravel's greater travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Thus, those who appreciate a richer depth in their key presses might find the HMX Gravel to be the better choice, while those prioritizing responsiveness could opt for the Jerrzi Salt Ice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Gravel linear switch maintains a reputation for a muted acoustic profile, which allows for a more subdued typing experience compared to its counterparts. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch makes a notable impression with its bright and clacky characteristics that bring a lively energy to each keystroke. This contrast in sound may appeal to different user preferences: while the Gravel supports a quieter environment perhaps suited for office settings, the Salt Ice provides an enthusiastic auditory feedback that can be satisfying during both casual and vigorous typing sessions.

Moving on to feel, the HMX Gravel switches excel with their exceptional smoothness and well-refined typing experience. Thanks to a medium-light actuation force that tips towards the lighter side, users will find the Gravel switches responsive and effortless, creating a pleasant tactile interaction. Conversely, the Salt Ice switches also prioritize a light touch, allowing for easy and energetic typing. Their vibrant feedback contributes to an encouraging sensation, making typing feel more dynamic and engaging, especially for users who enjoy an immersive experience with a bit of flair.

In conclusion, while both the HMX Gravel and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches cater to users looking for a seamless typing experience, their subjective qualities differ notably in sound and feel. The Gravel provides a quieter, smoother typing sensation, which is ideal for those who favor subtlety, while the Salt Ice switches bring an energetic vibe with their bright sound and responsive feel. Ultimately, both switches deliver a satisfying experience, and the choice between them will depend on whether one prefers a more subdued and refined touch or a lively and expressive engagement with each keystroke.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches, you should first consider your personal typing preferences and style. If you prioritize a smoother and more refined typing experience, the HMX Gravel is a great option; its lighter actuation force of 50 grams provides a responsive feel that's perfect for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Additionally, if you appreciate a quieter environment while typing, the Gravel's sound profile might suit you better, as it's less clacky compared to the Salt Ice. On the other hand, if you thrive on energetic feedback and enjoy a more pronounced, lively response, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches may be the way to go. Their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, combined with an effortless actuation, can add an exciting dynamic to your typing experience. Therefore, if you enjoy a bit of noise and an engaging typing feel, choose the Salt Ice. Ultimately, it boils down to what you find most enjoyable in your keyboard experience—smoothness versus vibrancy—and your choice should reflect that preference.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Salt Ice Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more