HMX Poro vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Poro and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Poro and Jerrzi Salt Ice both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Poro stands out for its silky smooth keystrokes, enhanced by meticulous lubrication that allows for an effortless glide. With an ultra-light actuation force, it produces a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, which provide vibrant feedback with a light touch. This makes them a preferred choice for those seeking an energetic and responsive typing experience. Both switches cater to different user needs: the Poro appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and a subtle, yet engaging sound profile, while the Salt Ice excites users looking for enthusiasm and responsiveness in their keystrokes. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Poro and Jerrzi Salt Ice exhibit significant differences in their housing materials, leading to contrasting auditory experiences. The Poro utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for its softer texture. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing as the nylon absorbs sound effectively. The inherent softness of the material contributes to a duller sound, providing a more muted auditory response that can make typing feel more cushioned and less harsh. In contrast, the Salt Ice leverages polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a material characterized by its rigidity and brilliance. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, contributing to an overall more resonant typing experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of sound, making it more pronounced and suitable for applications where detailed audio feedback is desired.
In terms of aesthetics and practical applications, the differences between nylon and polycarbonate are also noteworthy. The translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting implementations; this feature is less pronounced in the nylon-based Poro, which does not provide the same level of light diffusion. Consequently, users looking to showcase RGB lighting through their switches would find the Jerrzi Salt Ice to be more visually appealing. Moreover, the design choices reinforce the auditory experience; the crispness of the Salt Ice provides users with a vivid sound experience, while the Poro’s nylon construction delivers a more subdued audio landscape, better suited for long typing sessions without auditory fatigue.
When considering functionality, the differences in sound profiles indicate how each switch responds to typing dynamics. With the HMX Poro, the softer nylon effectively mutes the bottom-out sound, resulting in a quieter experience when keys are fully pressed down. Conversely, the Jerrzi Salt Ice’s polycarbonate contributes to a more energetic and pronounced auditory feedback upon bottoming out, making it potentially more appealing for users who prefer a lively and engaging typing environment. Together, these factors illustrate that while both switches serve the same fundamental purpose, the choice of housing material leads to distinctly different user experiences in both sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we find that both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which can provide a similar typing experience in terms of keystroke triggering. This light actuation force makes both switches suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions, as they reduce finger fatigue over time. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Poro switch has a measurable bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch is not specified, leaving uncertainty regarding how it compares in this aspect. Overall, while both switches have a light actuation force, the Poro is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, which could cater to users who prefer a more tactile feedback when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Poro measures 3.7 mm, while the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Poro offers a more substantial depth, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience upon pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Salt Ice's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and users who seek quicker response times, making it ideal for fast-paced activities. Ultimately, if you gravitate towards a more responsive feel, the Salt Ice would be the better choice; however, if you appreciate a more pronounced depth, the Poro is likely to meet your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 sound profile of the HMX Poro linear switch is characterized by a satisfyingly poppy and clacky tone, which can create an engaging auditory experience while typing. This lively sound may resonate well with users who appreciate a bit of feedback as they type. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch also exhibits bright and clacky characteristics, emphasizing an energizing auditory presence. Both switches deliver a clacky sound, making them appealing for those who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback, though the exact nature of the sound could still be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Poro switch is known for its silky smooth keystrokes that have been meticulously lubricated for an effortless glide. This smoothness might appeal to typists looking for a refined and polished experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Salt Ice switch offers vibrant feedback, paired with a light touch that enhances the responsiveness of the typing experience. While the Poro emphasizes smoothness, the Salt Ice prioritizes an energetic touch, creating different typing dynamics even within the linear switch category.
In conclusion, both the HMX Poro and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches provide a clacky and engaging sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback. In terms of feel, Poro leans towards a smooth typing experience, while Salt Ice offers a more responsive and energetic interaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as they both deliver enjoyable qualities that can enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Poro linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your typing style and personal preferences. If you favor a switch with a lighter actuation force and appreciate a silky smooth typing experience combined with a satisfying poppy and clacky sound, the HMX Poro may be the ideal choice for you. Its meticulously lubricated mechanism ensures an effortless glide, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you seek a more vibrant feedback and an energetic typing experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch may appeal more to you. With its exceptionally bright clack and light touch, it offers a responsive feel that can enhance your performance, particularly in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, low-force feel with a poppy acoustic profile, or a snappy, lively feedback that keeps your keystrokes engaging.
Mentioned in this article
