Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX SU offer distinct yet appealing characteristics for different typing preferences. The Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their exceptionally bright and clacky sound, coupled with a light touch that promotes an energetic and responsive typing experience. With their vibrant feedback, these switches are a great pick for users who thrive on a lively interaction with their keyboards. In contrast, the HMX SU switches provide a more nuanced experience with their full PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile that caters to those who appreciate a calmer auditory feedback while typing. Both switches fall under the linear switch category, appealing to users who prefer smooth keystrokes devoid of tactile bumps. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX SU, a stark contrast surfaces in the types of plastics utilized. The Salt Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound profile. This stiff material enhances the clarity of the sound, ensuring that each keystroke resonates with a high-pitched quality. The translucence of polycarbonate also plays a significant role in aesthetics and functionality, particularly when equipped with RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper, fuller audio experience that is often perceived as rounder and more muted.
The differing impacts of the materials on sound and tactile feedback are crucial. The Salt Ice's uniform polycarbonate construction ensures that both the bottom-out sound when pressing a key and the release sound when letting up are characterized by a crisp, clear quality. This means that users can expect a consistent sharpness throughout their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU's nylon construction allows for a split dynamic; the bottom housing's softer material dominates the bottom-out experience, contributing to a more subdued and muffled sound profile, while the top housing impacts the release sound, which will tend to be less sharp compared to the Salt Ice.
Ultimately, the choice of materials shapes the overall auditory and tactile experience of a switch. Users seeking a bright and clear acoustic signature might lean toward the Salt Ice due to its polycarbonate housings, which provide a resonant and visually appealing option for RGB setups. Conversely, the HMX SU's nylon housings offer a classic, softer sound with a rounder profile, appealing to those who prefer a muted experience. While both switches deliver unique characteristics, the shared use of different materials in their housings dictates how the sound and typing feel will manifest, allowing for a wide array of preferences for users seeking distinct typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch to the HMX SU linear switch, it's noteworthy that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require an equivalent amount of pressure for each keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience similar ease of activation when typing on either switch, providing a consistent feel for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; while the SU has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, the Salt Ice lacks this information. The SU is categorized as lightweight, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience without the strain of heavier switches. Overall, the Salt Ice's unknown bottom out force leaves some uncertainty, but the HMX SU's lighter profile with its added bottom out force could offer a more noticeable tactile feedback during intense typing tasks or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find that the Salt Ice has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SU has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option, catering to gamers and users who prefer a more responsive feel, enabling quicker keystrokes. Conversely, the HMX SU, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may be more appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke depth, providing a less abrupt typing experience. Thus, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Jerrzi Salt Ice is the better choice, whereas the HMX SU may better suit those who prefer a more traditional and hearty feedback during use.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch delivers an exceptionally bright and clacky auditory experience, which contributes to an energetic atmosphere while typing. Its vibrant feedback creates a lively sound profile that many users find engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch has a more subdued and relatively deeper sound, thanks to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. This creates a unique, less obtrusive auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a quieter environment. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the final auditory output can greatly vary depending on the keyboard construction and the keycap materials used in the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switch is characterized by its light actuation, providing effortless feedback that allows for a quick and responsive typing experience. This quality can make it particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers who thrive on speed and energy. Conversely, the SU switch offers a more grounded feel, likely due to its deeper sound profile and overall construction. This deeper actuation might lend itself to a cushioned sensation that some users appreciate for its tactile presence, making it suitable for those who enjoy more substantial feedback while typing.
Overall, choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX SU linear switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in both sound and feel. If you prefer an energetic, bright sound with a light touch, the Salt Ice will meet your needs. However, if you lean towards a quieter environment with a more substantial feel, the SU switch could serve you well. Understanding that both switches will provide different experiences, you can select the one that aligns best with your typing style and auditory preferences, knowing that various factors will further influence the overall experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. If you crave an energetic and responsive typing experience with bright, clacky characteristics that make each keystroke feel lively, the Salt Ice switch would be an excellent fit for you. Its exceptionally light touch and engaging feedback can enhance your typing and gaming sessions, making it perfect for quick, dynamic interactions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more grounded experience with a deeper sound profile, the HMX SU switch is the better option. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it provides a subtle yet satisfying tactile feedback that is well-suited for longer typing sessions, where comfort and a smooth, consistent feel are key. By considering your typing style and the sound profile you enjoy, you can select the switch that best aligns with your needs, ensuring a satisfying experience every time you sit down to type.
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