HMX Perky vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The HMX Perky switches are revered for their nylon housings, which lend themselves to a softer feel and a gloriously glittery aesthetic. With a shorter travel distance, users enjoy a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience that makes every keystroke count. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are designed to capture attention with their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing vibrant feedback and effortless actuation. Ideal for those who crave an energetic and responsive typing sensation, these switches can invigorate any typing session. Both switches belong to the linear category, ensuring smooth key presses without tactile bumps, but they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Perky and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both utilize different housing materials, which fundamentally affects their overall sound profiles and typing experience. The Perky is crafted with nylon for both its top and bottom housing, leading to a sound signature characterized by a deeper, fuller quality. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder noise upon keystrokes. This material choice emphasizes a more subdued acoustic characteristic, appealing to those who prefer a less intrusive typing sound.
In stark contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice features polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for greater sound resonance, contributing to a clearer auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when RGB lighting is utilized. This material lends itself to a more vibrant display, ensuring that both sound and visual elements work in tandem to elevate the typing experience.
Despite these differences, it’s interesting to note that the overall typing experience can achieve similar tonal results when considering the impact of dual material housings. If a switch features a combination of nylon and polycarbonate, the unique properties of each material will influence how sound is perceived while typing. For instance, with the Perky’s nylon housing dampening sound, the overall acoustic signature may feel muted, whereas in the Salt Ice, the polycarbonate’s clarity could create a more pronounced feedback. Combining these materials can yield a balanced typing experience—notably, the bottom housing greatly influences auditory feedback upon bottoming out, while the top housing will dictate the sound released when releasing a key. Ultimately, both materials have their merits and can cater to different user preferences based on tactile and acoustic experiences.
Weight
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Perky switch boasts an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall, which can be beneficial for users seeking extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that it requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke, potentially providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier feel. However, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch remains unknown, which leaves a gap in the comparison. Despite this, if the bottom out force were available and similar to that of the Perky, users might achieve comparable results regarding keystroke feeling. Overall, the Perky is the lighter switch while the Salt Ice is heavier in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The HMX Perky linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.4 mm, resulting in a similar tactile experience when pressed. This identical distance means that users can expect comparable actuation and feedback from both switches, leading to a uniform feel during typing or gaming. Since the travel distances are equal, players and typists will find that both switches provide a consistent performance with no discernible difference in the depth of actuation. Thus, whether opting for the HMX Perky or the Jerrzi Salt Ice, users can enjoy a similar experience in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky 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 Perky linear switch tends to have a softer, more muted audio profile, which contributes to a typing experience that feels refined and pleasant without being overly disruptive. This subtle sound is less clacky, making it ideal for environments where quietness is preferred. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch produces a much brighter and clackier sound, characterized by its energetic auditory feedback that can energize a typing session. Users who enjoy a more pronounced sound while they type will gravitate towards the Salt Ice, as its lively acoustics are a defining feature of its design. It's important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's material, design, and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Perky switch is known for delivering a smooth and almost neutral typing experience, which many find to be deeply satisfying. Its shorter travel distance enhances this effect, providing a condensed feel that allows for quick, fluid typing with a soft, plush sensation. Contrastingly, the Salt Ice switch offers a distinctively light touch, emphasizing an effortless actuation that makes it almost playful to use. The vibrant feedback it provides gnaws at the more energetic aspect of typing, making every keystroke feel lively and responsive. This difference in tactile character caters to two distinct user preferences: those who enjoy a soft, pleasant typing experience versus those who appreciate a more dynamic touch.
In conclusion, while both the HMX Perky and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, each provides a distinctive auditory and tactile experience. The Perky is ideal for users who favor a quieter, smoother typing experience with a subtle sound, whereas the Salt Ice is perfect for those who seek a brighter, more pronounced auditory feedback paired with a lively actuation. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you may find satisfaction with either switch, but they will deliver distinctly different typing journeys.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between HMX Perky linear switches and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a softer, more balanced typing experience, the HMX Perky might be your go-to option, thanks to its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and its cushioned, condensed travel that promotes prolonged typing without strain. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize comfort and a smooth feel in their daily tasks. On the other hand, if you crave a more energetic and dynamic experience while typing, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches could be the right fit for you. Known for their bright, clacky sound profile and light touch, these switches excel in providing a vibrant feedback that can make typing feel both responsive and lively. Their engaging actuation can be especially appealing for those who enjoy a more tactile connection to their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you value aspects like sound, feel, and the overall typing experience.
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