Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Swift both offer unique features and benefits for users seeking a top-notch typing experience. The Salt Ice is a linear switch that is praised for its bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch that makes typing a breeze. On the other hand, the Swift, also a linear switch, stands out for its deep sound profile thanks to its full nylon housings, as well as a silky smoothness and delicate 42g actuation force. While the Salt Ice is perfect for those looking for an energetic and responsive typing experience, the Swift appeals to users who prefer a smoother and more subtle typing feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Swift, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Salt Ice features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Swift utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the choice between a crisper sound with polycarbonate or a warmer sound with nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference.
The differences between the top housings of the Salt Ice and the Swift continue with their bottom housings. The Salt Ice includes a polycarbonate bottom housing, emphasizing the same sharp and crisp sound profile found in the top housing. Meanwhile, the Swift incorporates a nylon bottom housing, contributing to the switch's deeper and fuller sound profile. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches means that users will experience varying sound profiles depending on whether they are pressing down on the key or releasing it. This highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound characteristics of a switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Salt Ice and the Swift, both switches showcase the unique impact that polycarbonate and nylon have on sound profiles. While the Salt Ice offers a sharper and clearer sound through its polycarbonate housing, the Swift provides a deeper and rounder sound with its nylon housing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether a user prefers a crisper sound with more resonance or a fuller sound with more depth. Regardless of the choice, both switches demonstrate how housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Salt Ice requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. Interestingly, the bottom out force for the Salt Ice is not known, while the Swift has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that the Swift may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when bottoming out. Overall, the Swift is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the Salt Ice remains unknown in terms of bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Swift may be the better choice, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Salt Ice.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm. In this case, the HMX Swift has a longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The difference between the two may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience for some users. Those who prefer a shorter travel distance may opt for the Salt Ice for faster response times, while others who enjoy a deeper press may lean towards the HMX Swift. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the travel distance, users can expect a reliable typing or gaming experience with either option.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a vibrant feedback that stands out. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch offers a deeper sound profile due to its full nylon housings, with a silky smoothness that complements its delicate 42g actuation force. Both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences, so the choice between the two would depend on whether the user prefers a brighter or deeper sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is described as providing a light touch, making it effortless to actuate, but specific details on the feel were not provided. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. In addition, it is described as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, providing a low-impact and smooth typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The Swift switch offers a range of tactile sensations that enhance the typing experience, catering to users who prefer a lighter and more responsive feel.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Salt Ice switch provides a bright and clacky sound with a light touch, while the Swift switch delivers a deeper sound profile with an easy-to-press and feathery feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, actuation force, and tactile feedback, users can choose between the energetic and vibrant experience of the Salt Ice or the smooth and responsive feel of the Swift. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch or the HMX Swift linear switch, you should take into account your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light touch with vibrant feedback and a clacky sound, then the Salt Ice switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and a silky smooth typing feel with a light actuation force, then the Swift switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that best fits your typing style and needs.
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