Haimu Neo White vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Neo White and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Neo White switch stands out for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, providing a distinctive typing feel that is smooth and satisfying due to the rare use of a Ly stem. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a lively typing experience. While the Neo White switch is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Salt Ice switch's category is not specified. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons why you might want to choose them, 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Haimu Neo White and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Neo White has a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Neo White and the Salt Ice feature polycarbonate top housings that are likely to be clear due to the material's translucency. This makes them suitable for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing look. However, the difference lies in their bottom housings, with the Neo White using nylon for a deeper sound profile, while the Salt Ice sticks to polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound. This variation in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while both the Haimu Neo White and the Jerrzi Salt Ice share the same polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, their bottom housings introduce a difference in sound characteristics. The Neo White provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the Salt Ice offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches based on the material used in the bottom housing to achieve their desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's evident that they offer different experiences for users. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium level of resistance for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams, ensuring a lighter touch to trigger keystrokes. This makes the Salt Ice ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing feel, while the Neo White caters to individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance and feedback when typing. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the Neo White being heavier in bottom out force and the Salt Ice being lighter in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Neo White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The Neo White's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which could be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Salt Ice's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a slightly quicker response time, which may be preferred by gamers looking for speed and agility. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and feedback one prefers in a key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a neutral typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it a versatile option for various settings. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have a defined sound description provided. It is important to keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other components of the keyboard setup, such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a smooth actuation due to the rare use of a Ly stem, resulting in a satisfying keystroke feel. Conversely, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch lacks a specific feel description. Considering the lack of detailed information on the feel of the Salt Ice switch, it is advisable to try it out personally to determine if it suits your preferences.
Taking into account the available information, the Haimu Neo White linear switch stands out for its smooth actuation and medium weight, offering a distinctive typing experience with a slightly reduced total travel distance. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by its bright and clacky typing sound, accompanied by a light touch for a vibrant and responsive typing experience. While the specific feel and sound descriptions for the Salt Ice switch are not provided, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Overall, depending on your typing preferences for sound and feel, both the Neo White and Salt Ice switches can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, your decision will come down to your personal preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a medium weight switch with smooth actuation and slightly reduced total travel, the Neo White may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a bright and clacky switch with a light touch and vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice could be the ideal option. Consider your typing style and the feel and sound characteristics that appeal to you the most when making your decision. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
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