HMX Lotus (Heavy) vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts will find distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences in both feel and sound. The Lotus (Heavy) switch, weighing in at a medium-heavy 62.5g, offers a satisfying bouncy sensation with a bright, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust tactile feedback. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch is celebrated for its light touch and notably clacky sound, providing vibrant feedback that promises an energetic and responsive typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who thrive on quick, effortless actuation. While both switches are linear and designed for smooth keystrokes, the different weights and sound profiles might lead to varied user experiences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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 single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a clear distinction emerges in both their top and bottom housings. The Lotus (Heavy) employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for its softer and more absorbent characteristics. This lends itself to a deeper and fuller sound profile that results in a duller, rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Jerrzi Salt Ice opts for polycarbonate, a material recognized for its rigidity and translucency. This choice enhances the switch's sound output, producing a sharper and crisper auditory effect that is particularly beneficial for scenarios involving RGB lighting due to its clear housing.
Looking at the bottom housing, a similar contrast between these two switches occurs. The Lotus (Heavy) features nylon, once again favoring a deeper sound profile, which contributes to a rounded feel when typing. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing produces a clearer and more resonant sound. This differentiation means that while both switches may offer unique auditory experiences, the Lotus (Heavy) leans towards a more muted and warmer sound, while the Salt Ice provides a tight and crisp audio quality. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows it to generate a more pronounced impact, affecting the overall feel and feedback upon bottoming out compared to the softer nylon found in the Lotus.
In practical terms, the differences in materials lead to a nuanced typing experience, largely influenced by the top and bottom housings. The Lotus (Heavy) will exhibit a softer feel and sound at the actuation point but will deliver a rounder sound when releasing the keys, thanks to the nylon. On the other hand, the Salt Ice will provide a sharper auditory feedback, especially noticeable when releasing a key, accentuated by its polycarbonate top housing. For users who prioritize RGB lighting effects, the Salt Ice's clear polycarbonate is a significant advantage. However, both switches can yield satisfying results if one values either the rich depth of sound from nylon or the crisp clarity from polycarbonate, depending on their personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, there's a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Lotus (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, while the Salt Ice has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Salt Ice. Conversely, the heavier actuation force of the Lotus (Heavy) could appeal to those who favor a more substantial feeling when typing. Regarding bottom-out forces, the Lotus (Heavy) has a defined bottom-out force of 62.5 grams. In contrast, the bottom-out force for the Salt Ice is currently unavailable, making it difficult to assess how it compares in that context. Overall, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) is the heavier option, likely providing a more robust tactile experience, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice is lighter, potentially offering more comfort for prolonged use.
Travel distance
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch—gamers who favor quicker response times may prefer the Salt Ice for its shorter travel. On the other hand, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a more pronounced actuation depth, which can be appealing to users who favor a more substantial key press. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, with only a 0.1 mm difference, the Lotus (Heavy) is the longer option, providing a more robust feel, while the Salt Ice is the shorter option, optimizing it for speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a bright, resonant sound, making it a lively choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing experience. This sound profile is complemented by the hefty weighting of the switch, which contributes to its overall pleasant acoustic presence. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch boasts exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, further enhancing the auditory stimulation it provides. This difference in sound may appeal to users with varying preferences; while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a more resonant tone, the Salt Ice delivers a snappier and more dynamic auditory experience. It’s essential to remember that the final sound quality can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so individual results may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Lotus (Heavy) is favored for its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, providing a super bouncy sensation with every keystroke. This combination of weight and feedback forms a delightful typing experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a firmer response from their switches. Conversely, the Salt Ice switch stands out with its light touch, allowing for an effortless actuation that gives it a more energetic and responsive feel. The difference in actuation force results in a distinct typing experience: the Lotus (Heavy) feels more substantial, whereas the Salt Ice caters to those who prefer a lighter, more nimble action.
In summary, both the HMX Lotus (Heavy) and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Lotus (Heavy) offers a deeper, more resonant sound alongside a bouncy, heavier feel, making it great for those who prefer a bit more weight in their keystrokes. The Salt Ice, on the other hand, excels with its bright, clacky sound and lighter touch, perfect for users seeking a quicker, more energizing typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you favor a more substantial or a lightweight interaction with your keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more substantial key press with a medium-heavy weight, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a delightful bouncy feeling with a satisfying bottom-out force of 62.5 grams. Its bright and resonant sound adds to the overall tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a solid keystroke that feels robust and engaging. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that requires less force and provides a lively and energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice, with its clacky characteristics and incredibly responsive touch, may be your go-to option. This switch’s vibrant feedback and lighter actuation are best suited for fast typists and gamers who thrive on quick responses. Ultimately, consider what you value more—whether it’s a heavier key feel or a lighter, more energetic typing experience—when selecting the switch that fits your needs best.
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