Jerrzi Salt Ice vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Xinhai mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer distinct advantages to users looking for a specific typing experience. The Salt Ice stands out for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing users with vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch is crafted with a unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, offering a softer acoustics profile and higher-pitched resonance for a subtle sophistication combined with precise performance. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feedback and sound. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Salt Ice and the HMX Xinhai both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through. However, the Xinhai features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, the key difference lies in the materials used for the bottom housing. The Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors its top housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing provides a contrasting sound experience, adding depth and resonance to the overall typing experience. This difference in housing materials allows for a varied sound profile depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. The Jerrzi Salt Ice's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a clear and resonant sound profile, while the HMX Xinhai's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offer a deeper and fuller sound experience. Ultimately, the housing materials work together to provide a unique typing experience, with each material contributing to the overall sound profile in different ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is evident that the Salt Ice has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Xinhai's lighter actuation force of 37 grams. However, the Salt Ice does not provide information on its bottom out force, whereas the Xinhai has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it heavier in comparison. This indicates that the Xinhai switch may provide a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force, but a heavier feel when bottoming out keys. This difference in weights caters to different preferences, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on an individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel before the switch actuates. This consistency in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results when typing or gaming with either switch. In terms of key travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear switch with a 3.4 mm travel distance.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai 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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, offering a vibrant feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is crafted with a unique PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and features a POM stem for a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The sound of the Xinhai switch is described as clacky, providing a balance of subtle sophistication and precise performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, as sound is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is known for its light touch and effortless actuation, offering users a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy. Bouncy switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving keys a lively feel with rebound when pressed. The creamy aspect of the Xinhai switch indicates a smooth and buttery typing experience, potentially due to the application of lubricant or specific materials. This results in a silky sensation while typing, with keys effortlessly melting into each keystroke. Individuals who prefer a more lively and bouncy feel may lean towards the Xinhai switch, while those seeking a light and responsive touch may opt for the Salt Ice switch.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Salt Ice offers a bright and clacky sound with a light touch, the Xinhai provides a softer acoustics profile with a blend of bouncy and creamy sensations. Depending on whether you prioritize a sharp and snappy sound or a balance of sophistication and performance, as well as a bouncy or smooth typing experience, you can achieve similar levels of satisfaction with either switch based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a bright and clacky switch with a light touch, the Salt Ice may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a switch with a softer acoustics profile and a bouncier feel, the Xinhai could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize energetic feedback and effortless actuation or subtle sophistication and precise performance in your mechanical keyboard switches. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style for the optimal typing experience.
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