HMX Jelly vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Jelly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Jelly and the Jerrzi Salt Ice offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Jelly switch is celebrated for its low-pitched, thocky sound profile, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback, and its lightweight actuation force of just 42g ensures a super smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter, more subtle keystroke. By contrast, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its bright and clacky sound characteristics, offering a lively typing experience with vibrant feedback that appeals to those seeking an energetic and responsive feel. Both switches are linear, promoting seamless key presses without tactile bumps, but they cater to different sensory pleasures—one favors a soothing auditory experience while the other thrives on high energy and responsiveness. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
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 extended single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Jelly and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches differ significantly in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Jelly’s top and bottom housings are made from nylon, a classic material in the keyboard switch industry. This choice of nylon results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that tends to absorb vibrations, making it ideal for those seeking a more muted acoustic experience. The inherent softness of nylon contributes to a rounded sound, creating a pleasant typing environment. Conversely, the Salt Ice features both top and bottom housings made from polycarbonate, a much stiffer plastic known for its durability and clarity. This choice enhances the crispness of the sound produced during use, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched auditory feedback that many users find appealing for a more energetic typing experience.
While both switches serve the same primary function, the contrasting materials influence not only the sound but also the overall feel of each switch when engaged. The Jelly, with its all-nylon construction, provides a smoother and softer bottom-out experience, further emphasizing the cohesive and rounded nature of its sound. On the flip side, the two polycarbonate housings of the Salt Ice amplify the clarity and resonance of the sound profile, providing a tactile sensation that is more defined and articulate. Users who appreciate a tactile bump or click during their typing may prefer the sharper feedback that polycarbonate delivers with each keystroke, as it translates into a more responsive feeling when typing.
However, it's essential to note that the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the keycap material, stabilization, and even the keyboard's construction. While the Jelly’s nylon housing produces a softer sound characteristic and the Salt Ice offers a crisper auditory experience, achieving similar satisfaction may ultimately depend on individual user preferences. For instance, both switches deliver high-quality performance but through different auditory and tactile nuances. Users can find what suits them best by testing both options to observe how the unique sound characteristics of each material blend with their typing style and environment.
Weight
The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Jelly switch has a light actuation force of 42 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a smoother, less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force remains unspecified. This absence of bottom out force data means we cannot directly compare that aspect. Additionally, since the Jelly is lighter overall due to its lower actuation force, users favoring prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming may find it more appealing. In summary, while both switches offer a unique experience, the HMX Jelly is tailored for lighter use, whereas the Jerrzi Salt Ice leans towards users seeking a more substantial feel with its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Jelly features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Salt Ice measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Jelly switch provides a more pronounced depth in keystrokes, which some users may prefer for a fuller typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, if you're seeking responsiveness, the Salt Ice is the better choice due to its reduced travel distance, whereas the Jelly offers a more traditional tactile feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, making it a great option for those who prefer a more muted yet resonant auditory experience. This sound is often described as pleasing and less intrusive, allowing for a more refined typing environment. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch delivers an exceptionally bright and clacky auditory profile, catering to users who enjoy a lively and attention-grabbing sound. The Salt Ice’s vibrant sound can feel quite engaging, creating a dynamic atmosphere during typing sessions. The auditory experience of both switches will ultimately be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but each offers a distinctly different auditory signature that aligns with varied preferences.
In terms of feel, the HMX Jelly switch stands out due to its super smooth action, enhanced by excellent factory lubrication. This results in a very gentle linear travel that many typists find comfortable and satisfying, particularly given its lightweight actuation force of 42g. This makes the Jelly ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Conversely, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its energetic feedback and effortless actuation, providing a responsive experience that can make each keystroke feel lively and engaging. The lighter touch required for the Salt Ice adds to its appeal for users who appreciate quick and nimble typing, although the specific force required is not mentioned.
In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches are both excellent choices, they cater to very different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Jelly offers a deeper, more subdued auditory experience paired with a smooth actuation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a refined typing environment. In contrast, the Salt Ice provides bright, clacky sounds and a spirited typing experience, perfect for users seeking a lively and responsive feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a comforting and muted sound with an ultra-smooth feel, or an energetic and vibrant experience with responsive feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Jelly linear switches and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a typing experience characterized by a smooth, low-pitched, and deep thocky sound, along with a lighter actuation force that provides a sense of ease during long typing sessions, the HMX Jelly switches would be the ideal choice for you. Their excellent factory lubrication ensures that each keystroke is buttery smooth, making them perfect for both typing and gaming without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. Conversely, if you find yourself drawn to a more vibrant and energetic typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches would cater to your needs with their bright, clacky audio profile and responsive feedback. Their effortless actuation means you can type quickly and efficiently, making them well-suited for projects that require rapid input or for those who value an engaging and lively tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what kind of auditory and tactile feedback you enjoy most while typing, as both switches offer unique features tailored to different preferences.
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