Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g each offer their own unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their bright and clacky characteristics, providing an energetic and responsive typing experience with a light touch. Ideal for users who enjoy a more tactile feedback during their keystrokes, these switches can energize their workflow and make typing more engaging. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches excel in creating a serene and whisper-quiet typing environment, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making them perfect for those who seek a subtle typing experience without disturbing others. With their ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, they are tailored for light typists prioritizing comfort and discretion. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, it's evident that they differ significantly in their choice of top housing material. The Salt Ice features polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for providing a clearer, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This material allows for a sharper auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience, especially with RGB lighting, as its translucency showcases vibrant colors effectively. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon dampens the acoustic resonance, resulting in a warm, muted sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the Salt Ice and Silent Sakura - 43g demonstrate a shared characteristic, as both utilize polycarbonate. The introduction of polycarbonate in both bottom housings contributes to a consistent sound profile, facilitating the sharper and crisper auditory feedback that is characteristic of this material. This alignment in material choice for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver a more pronounced bottom-out sound, making the typing feel satisfying and tactile. Therefore, while the top housing materials cause significant differentiation in sound profile and acoustic experience, the similarity in the bottom housing offers a convergence in the typing experience's tactile quality.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials lead to a distinct experience in terms of auditory feedback and sound quality. The sharper, clearer profile of the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top contrasts with the muted, rounded sound produced by the Silent Sakura's nylon top housing. However, because both switches employ polycarbonate in the bottom housing, they will both provide that resonant, crisp quality during each key's bottom-out. This design integration allows users to experience the nuanced sound signatures of both switches while enjoying the consistent tactile feedback afforded by the polycarbonate bottom, thus offering a blend of auditory experiences depending on the user’s preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we find noteworthy differences that cater to varying typing preferences. The Salt Ice switch features a higher actuation force of 45 grams, making it a heavier option compared to the Silent Sakura, which has a lighter actuation force of just 37 grams. This means that the Salt Ice switch may provide a more substantial tactile experience, which some users prefer for its feedback, while the Silent Sakura's lighter actuation force could lead to reduced fatigue during longer typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Sakura has a defined bottom out at 43 grams, which is comparable to its actuation force, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force remains unknown. Overall, if you prefer a heavier switch that offers a firmer push while typing, the Salt Ice may be more appealing, whereas those seeking a lighter, easier typing experience might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it becomes clear that the Salt Ice has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Sakura measures at 4.0 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option, providing a quicker actuation that can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Silent Sakura may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a more pronounced sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may depend on your preference for dynamics: if you value responsive typing and gaming, the Salt Ice would be preferable, while those who enjoy a deeper feel may gravitate towards the Silent Sakura.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
The sound profile of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally bright and clacky nature, which makes typing feel lively and engaging. This auditory feedback can energize the user, enhancing the overall typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when they type. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch offers a completely different auditory experience, aiming for a whisper-quiet operation. The sound is reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window, providing a serene atmosphere ideal for environments where noise may be a concern. While both switches deliver a unique sound, they cater to vastly different preferences; the Salt Ice is for those who enjoy a pronounced, lively sound, while the Silent Sakura focuses on a quiet and tranquil auditory experience. It's worth noting that the overall sound will also be influenced by the choice of keycaps and keyboard construction.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switch provides vibrant feedback and an effortless actuation, giving users a sense of energy and responsiveness with each keystroke. This heightened feedback makes it an excellent choice for typists who prefer to feel a substantial connection to their typing rhythm. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g features an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, catering specifically to light typists who appreciate a smoother and less resistive typing action. The feel of the Silent Sakura is designed for those who prioritize a softer touch and a more serene typing environment, making it appealing for long periods of use. Therefore, while the Salt Ice may invigorate the user with liveliness in both feel and sound, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a soothing and gentle tactile experience.
In summary, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch present two distinct approaches to the typing experience, each catering to different user preferences. The Salt Ice excels in delivering a vibrant sound profile and an energetic feel, making it ideal for those who crave a dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura emphasizes a quiet operation and a gentle touch, perfect for users seeking a calm atmosphere. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, ensuring that typists can find a switch that perfectly fits their unique typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you thrive on energetic feedback and enjoy a vibrant typing experience, the Salt Ice switches with their clacky characteristics and effortless actuation would likely be the better choice for you. They excel in providing a lively atmosphere, perfect for gaming or for when you want that satisfying tactile engagement with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter setup, perhaps due to working in a shared space or needing a calm environment, the Silent Sakura - 43g switches are designed with your comfort in mind. With their ultra-light actuation and whisper-quiet sound, they allow for serene typing that doesn't disturb those around you, making them ideal for light typists seeking a more subtle feedback experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value sound and tactile feedback or prioritize silence and softness in your typing journey.
Mentioned in this article
