Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences for users, despite both being linear switches. The Salt Ice is renowned for its vibrant and clacky characteristics, providing a lively feedback with an effortless actuation that many typists crave for an energetic typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive feel that can enhance their gaming and typing speed. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a serene typing experience, characterized by its whisper-quiet operation that evokes the soothing sound of raindrops. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, this switch appeals to those who prefer a lighter keystroke without sacrificing the satisfaction of a complete press. Both switches cater to different preferences, emphasizing either a lively feedback or a tranquil environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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 - 53g switches, the differences in their top housings become apparent. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, which results in a sound profile that is sharper, crisper, and more resonant. This quality makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications, as the material's clarity allows for vivid illumination effects. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a deeper, rounder auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon tends to produce a more muted sound, appealing to users who favor a less piercing typing experience.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both switches are made from polycarbonate. This consistent use of the same material leads to a similar auditory response in this area, characterized by a sharp and crisp sound profile. The polycarbonate bottom housing's stiffness further enhances the clarity of the sound produced when the switch bottoms out, contributing to a more defined overall typing experience. While the Salt Ice maintains the same material for both its top and bottom housings, the Silent Sakura finds a balance by using nylon for the top and polycarbonate for the bottom. This design decision means that while the Salt Ice may create a more uniform sound signature, the Silent Sakura diversifies its acoustic characteristics across the two housing types.
As a result, while both switches possess unique qualities due to their different top housing materials, they share similarities in their bottom housing that can lead to comparable performance outcomes. The polycarbonate bottom in both switches ensures a consistent, crisp feedback on key press release, while the top housings serve to shape the overall sound profile. Users seeking a particular typing experience will find that the Salt Ice offers a more pronounced auditory feedback due to its materials, while the Silent Sakura caters to those who prefer a fuller and more subdued sound on key press. Ultimately, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches can deliver satisfying results, resonating well with users with specific tonal preferences.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar keystroke trigger for both switches, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Silent Sakura has a bottom out force of 53 grams, signifying a more noticeable resistance when the key is pressed fully down, which could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison; without this information, we can't definitively say how it feels upon bottoming out. Overall, if you seek a lighter touch, the Salt Ice may accommodate you better if its unknown bottom out force is lower than 53 grams; otherwise, the Silent Sakura is the heavier switch, providing a firmer feel at the bottom.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see a clear distinction. The Salt Ice switch boasts a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option, catering to those who prioritize faster response times, a feature often preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's 4 mm travel distance aligns more closely with traditional key switches, providing a more substantial keystroke that some users may find preferable for a tactile feel. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive experience, the Salt Ice is the better choice, while the Silent Sakura will offer a deeper, more deliberate 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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, making each keystroke resonate with a lively vibrancy. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g delivers a dramatically different auditory experience, presenting a whisper-quiet performance that evokes the soothing sound of gentle raindrops. This distinct difference in sound can significantly affect the typing environment; the Salt Ice is ideal for those who enjoy a more animated and pronounced feedback, while the Silent Sakura caters to individuals who need a discreet typing experience, particularly in shared or quiet settings.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switches offer a light touch that results in an energetic and responsive typing experience. Users can effortlessly actuate keys, allowing for rapid typing without straining. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g embodies a perfectly balanced actuation force of 53g, providing a light yet satisfying keystroke that feels good without sacrificing the firmness that some typists desire. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Salt Ice is for those who thrive on quick responsiveness, while the Silent Sakura appeals to those who appreciate balance and a softer touch.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches differ significantly in both sound and feel, they each serve their specific audiences effectively. The Salt Ice excels in creating an engaging auditory and tactile experience suited for vibrant typing sessions, while the Silent Sakura offers a serene, quiet alternative ideal for focused work environments. Depending on personal preferences for sound and ergonomics, both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, and users can select based on whether they prioritize auditory feedback or stealth in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself drawn to a lively and energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switches are undoubtedly the way to go. These switches are ideal for users who enjoy that bright, clacky feedback and require a responsive action that enhances your overall interaction with the keyboard, making them great for gaming or work environments where speed and efficiency are prioritized. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience, perhaps due to a shared workspace or a love for a tranquil environment, the Silent Sakura - 53g would serve you well. With its whisper-quiet operation and balanced bottom-out force, it allows for prolonged typing sessions without disturbing those around you, all while still providing a satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, consider your specific needs—whether you're looking for something vibrant and lively or soft and silent—and choose the switch that will enhance your typing comfort and enjoyment.
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