HMX Macchiato vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Macchiato and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences, even as they share the common trait of being linear switches. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience and an inviting bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort and auditory satisfaction in their typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are known for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, paired with a light touch that provides vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, making them perfect for users who crave an energetic and responsive feel while typing. Both switches cater to distinct user preferences in terms of sound and tactile feedback, leading to different typing experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Jerrzi Salt Ice employ distinctly different materials for their respective housing components, which significantly influences the auditory and tactile experiences they offer. The Macchiato features a nylon construction for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In stark contrast, the Salt Ice employs polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. This fundamental difference highlights how material choice can shape user experience; those who prefer a rich and rounded keystroke sound may gravitate towards the Macchiato, while users seeking a crisper and more prominent audio feedback might favor the Salt Ice.
Furthermore, the implications of these material differences extend beyond just sound quality. The aesthetic qualities of the housings also play a significant role. The transparent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through beautifully, making the Salt Ice particularly appealing for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, while the nylon housing of the Macchiato may not provide the same visual vibrancy as the polycarbonate of the Salt Ice, it compensates with a more muted and sophisticated appearance. This contrast illustrates how functionality in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal differs between the two models, allowing users to make a choice based on personal preferences for visuals and acoustics.
Additionally, the interplay between the housing materials further affects the overall typing experience. In switches where the top and bottom housings use different materials, the audible characteristics will blend uniquely, impacting both the sound while typing and the sound upon release. For the Macchiato, the softer nylon contributes to a more pronounced thud when bottoming out, while the return sound is more subdued. Conversely, the Salt Ice offers a contrasting experience with its polycarbonate housing, which accentuates the sound profile during both keystrokes and when releasing keys. As such, even if both switches deliver satisfactory performance, the nature of the sound experience and tactile feedback will significantly differ, catering to varied preferences among typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Salt Ice requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to register a keystroke. This makes the Macchiato a preferable option for those who prioritize a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. However, the bottom-out force for the Salt Ice switch remains unknown, making it difficult to draw a complete comparison regarding that aspect. The Macchiato's bottom-out force is also relatively light at 50 grams, further affirming its attractive qualities for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. Overall, while the Macchiato offers a softer feel throughout, the Salt Ice's actuation force is stronger, appealing to users seeking a more substantial push, even though its bottoming out characteristic remains a mystery.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Macchiato boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard, providing a deeper typing experience that many users appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to the growing preference among gamers for quicker response times and a more nimble feel. As a result, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth might opt for the Macchiato, while those seeking enhanced responsiveness may gravitate towards the Salt Ice. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the solid depth of a longer travel distance or the quick actuation offered by a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato 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 Macchiato switch is known for its bright sound profile, which delivers a cheerful, clear resonance when pressed, making it an engaging audio experience for users who prefer a sound that isn't overly aggressive. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch offers a distinctly clackier sound, enhancing the auditory feedback with a sharper, more pronounced pitch that adds vibrancy to each keystroke. While both switches provide an enjoyable auditory experience, the Macchiato’s emphasis on a silky smooth sound may appeal to users seeking a more refined tone, whereas the Salt Ice's clackiness caters to those who favor a lively and energetic auditory signature.
When it comes to feel, the Macchiato switch is celebrated for its silky smooth typing experience, providing a smooth linear action that promotes effortless keystrokes without any scratchiness or resistance. This makes it well-suited for users who prefer a consistent motion while typing. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is characterized by its light touch and vibrant feedback, allowing for easy actuation with a responsive feel that encourages quick typing. The Salt Ice may provide a bit more tactile excitement compared to the silky smooth experience of the Macchiato, potentially leaning toward users who enjoy a lively interaction with their keyboard.
In conclusion, both the HMX Macchiato and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Macchiato excels in its smooth, bright sound and effortless feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a gentle typing experience. Meanwhile, the Salt Ice stands out with its clacky sound and energetic responsiveness, appealing to those who want a more lively and interactive engagement with their keyboard. Depending on personal preferences, users can expect satisfactory performance from either switch, but their distinct characteristics will influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your keyboard. If you favor a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, the Macchiato would be your go-to choice. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force is ideal for prolonged typing sessions, providing comfort without excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more vibrant and clacky auditory feedback while typing, the Salt Ice switches shine in this regard. Their energetic feel and responsive actuation are perfect for those who appreciate a lively keyboard experience. Thus, consider your typing style: for a smooth, polished touch that encourages longer writing sessions, choose the Macchiato; for a more animated and engaging feel that stimulates your typing, opt for the Salt Ice. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, making them valuable options based on your specific needs in a mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
