Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Vintage Citrus are two compelling options that cater to different preferences and priorities. The Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their bright and clacky characteristics, providing an energetic and responsive typing experience that many typing enthusiasts adore. Their lightweight actuation makes for a joyfully effortless interaction, ideal for those seeking dynamism in every keystroke. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switches are designed with gamers in mind, offering an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm that facilitates rapid-fire inputs—a crucial feature during intense gaming sessions. Both switches also share a vibrant sound profile, adding a lively auditory element to the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer distinct auditory experiences, primarily due to the differences in their construction. The Salt Ice features polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice leads to a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp, resulting from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. With its translucency, the polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting, making these switches visually appealing as well. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is softer and warmer than that of the Salt Ice. The nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a more muted experience, creating a rounder auditory effect that some users may prefer for a more subdued typing experience.
When examining the contrasts in how these materials affect the overall performance of each switch, it’s clear that the Jerrzi Salt Ice provides a brighter sound profile suitable for users looking for clarity and resonance, particularly during the release of a keypress. Since the top housing strongly influences the release sound, the polycarbonate material enhances the key's voice, allowing for distinct audio feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its nylon housing, is engineered for those who prefer a softer sound experience. The nylon absorbs more sound, which translates into a less pronounced sound upon depression and release, making it suitable for users who favor quieter operation.
Despite these differences, the housing configurations suggest that both switches can yield satisfying typing experiences, albeit tailored to different user preferences. If one seeks a sharper and more resonant experience, the Jerrzi Salt Ice excels with its polycarbonate materials. Conversely, for those who enjoy a deeper sound that emphasizes fullness, the HMX Vintage Citrus's nylon construction is ideal. On a surface level, while the switches use different materials, they can still provide satisfying results: the Salt Ice can deliver an expressive and bright typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus can offer a comforting, softer auditory feedback, highlighting the versatility of mechanical switches based on material use.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Salt Ice requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This difference suggests that the Salt Ice may be preferable for users looking for a lighter feel that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. However, while the Salt Ice's bottom out force is not specified, the Vintage Citrus has a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a more substantial key press feel when fully depressed, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In summary, the Salt Ice stands out as the lighter option, while the Vintage Citrus offers a heavier bottom out force for those who enjoy a stronger push sensation when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find that the Salt Ice has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3.0 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, ideal for gamers seeking faster response times due to its more abrupt actuation. On the other hand, the Salt Ice offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a deeper feel which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences—those looking for quicker actuation may gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth might opt for the Salt Ice.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 celebrated for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics that provide a lively auditory feedback during typing. This vibrant sound profile can energize the typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate an engaging audio backdrop. Similarly, the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch is also noted for its bright and clacky sound profile. While both switches exhibit a comparable auditory signature that promotes an exciting atmosphere, it's important to remember that the overall sound produced can be influenced by the specific keyboard build, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When we consider the feel of these switches, the Salt Ice distinguishes itself with its light touch and responsive actuation, which makes for an effortless typing experience that's both satisfying and dynamic. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a feathery touch and energetic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus excels with its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, catering specifically to gamers who rely on rapid-fire inputs. Despite the differences in actuation force, both switches offer smooth push feels, enhancing overall performance in gaming and typing scenarios.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present unique yet complementary qualities that cater to different preferences. While they share a bright and clacky sound profile, the Salt Ice offers a light and responsive touch, whereas the Vintage Citrus focuses on rapid actuation, making it particularly suitable for gamers. Ultimately, both options can deliver a joyful typing experience, and much of the choice may come down to personal preference regarding responsiveness and actuation force in combination with the auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize an incredibly light touch and a dynamic typing experience, the Salt Ice is the way to go. Its super responsive actuation provides a lively, clacky sound, making it perfect for users who enjoy an energetic feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking swift performance, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for rapid inputs with its low 1mm actuation and medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. It offers a remarkably smooth push feel, ensuring you can execute fast keystrokes without any lag, complemented by its own bright, clacky sound profile. Ultimately, if your focus is on a responsive, vibrant typing experience, the Salt Ice is ideal, while the Vintage Citrus excels in scenarios requiring quick, precise actions.
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