Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, personalization and performance are paramount, and the Jerrzi Salt Ice and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches exemplify this balance in unique ways. The Salt Ice switches are renowned for their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, offering a vibrant feedback experience that caters to users who thrive on energetic and responsive typing. Their light touch ensures that every keystroke feels effortless, making them an exhilarating choice for fast typists or gamers. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, brings a refined blend of materials that results in a subtle top-out sensation with a satisfying clack, backed by HMX's reputation for superb factory lubrication. This makes the Sunset Gleam an appealing option for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience with a touch of auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches deliver compelling advantages depending on your typing style and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches share a commonality in their top housing material, as both are crafted from polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity. The translucence of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through effectively and illuminate the internals of the switches beautifully. A clear housing typically indicates the use of polycarbonate, so users can expect a similar visual experience as well as a consistent auditory signature when activating these switches.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of these two switches diverges significantly, with the Salt Ice utilizing polycarbonate and the Sunset Gleam opting for nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Salt Ice maintains a similar sound profile to its top housing, contributing to the overall clarity and resonance of the switch. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Sunset Gleam absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer nature, leading to a deeper and fuller audio experience. This divergence creates a distinct disparity in sound character, with the Salt Ice delivering a brighter and crisper sound while the Sunset Gleam offers a more rounded, subdued auditory response.
The difference in bottom housing materials means that the tactile and auditory experiences provided by each switch are influenced by the interaction of both housing materials. Users will notice that pressing down on the Salt Ice will yield a clearer and more pronounced feedback due to the stiffer polycarbonate, enhancing the sound produced when bottoming out. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam's nylon bottom will produce a softer, more muted impact when pressed, contributing to a more rounded sound profile that contrasts with its sharp-sounding top housing. Overall, even though both switches share similar top housing materials, their performances diverge significantly with the distinct bottom housing choices, leading to unique tactile and auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and overall typing experience emerge. The Salt Ice boasts an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Sunset Gleam's 42 grams, which indicates a lighter feel for the latter. However, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice switch remains unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, suggesting a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. As a result, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions might gravitate toward the Sunset Gleam, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel in their typing experience may find the heavier actuation force of the Salt Ice more appealing, although they lack complete information on its bottom out characteristics. Overall, each switch appeals to different user preferences based on their force specifications.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Salt Ice the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation speeds. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam, with its longer travel distance, offers a slightly deeper experience that some users might find more satisfying for typing. Though both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Salt Ice’s smaller measurement aligns with the trend of shorter distances for rapid response, while the Sunset Gleam may cater to those who prefer a more pronounced bottom-out feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and responsiveness.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 is characterized by exceptionally bright and clacky qualities, offering an energetic auditory experience that complements its responsive actuation. This lively sound sets it apart, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch, while also delivering satisfying clack, leans towards a subtler sound profile at top-out. The quality of factory lube enhances its performance, providing a smooth experience that minimizes any unwanted noise, although the exact timbre can vary based on the keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Salt Ice switch is known for its light touch and vibrant feedback, giving typists an engaging and effortless experience from keystroke to keystroke. This can foster a sense of energy that keeps users motivated during extended typing sessions. In comparison, the Sunset Gleam switch, with its well-balanced construction and excellent factory lube, aims for a similarly satisfying experience but emphasizes a more subtle touch. The nuanced response upon actuation could appeal to users who prefer a refined feel without sacrificing the satisfaction that comes with a good tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Salt Ice offers a bright, clacky sound with a light touch, the Sunset Gleam provides a more refined and subtle clack, complemented by excellent lube application. While they diverge slightly in sound and feel, users can expect satisfying performance from either switch, combining quality materials and thoughtful engineering for an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a more energetic or a subtly refined typing dynamic.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and desired experience. If you value a bright, clacky sound and an exceptionally light touch, the Salt Ice switch is a compelling choice. Its vibrant feedback and effortless actuation make it ideal for those who thrive on an energetic typing experience, providing a lively atmosphere, especially for gaming or heavy typing without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more controlled and satisfying feel with a soft sound, the Sunset Gleam switch is likely more suitable for you. It offers a perfect balance with a distinct clack and excellent factory lube, making it enjoyable for both typing and long work sessions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you want an exhilarating, responsive experience with the Salt Ice or a smooth, satisfying typing feel with the Sunset Gleam. Each switch caters to different needs, so reflect on your personal typing style to make the best choice.
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