HMX Cheese vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Salt Ice stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The HMX Cheese offers an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. Being ultra-light switches, they are lighter than 90% of all switches, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches shine with exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, along with a light touch for effortless actuation. Their vibrant feedback and responsiveness make them a standout choice for users seeking an energetic typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches provide distinct characteristics to the typing experience. The Cheese's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile as a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. While the Cheese's nylon bottom housing contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile as the top housing, the Salt Ice's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the crisper sound quality of the switch.
Aesthetically, the materials used in the housing of the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches also differ. The Cheese's nylon top and bottom housing provide a classic switch appearance with a softer, more muted sound profile, while the Salt Ice's polycarbonate top and bottom housing offer a more modern look with a sharper, clearer sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches with RGB lighting, adding a colorful flair to the typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience based on their housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. While the Cheese provides a deeper, fuller sound with a classic appearance, the Salt Ice offers a sharper, crisper sound profile with a modern, translucent design. Whether you prefer a softer, more rounded sound or a clearer, more resonant sound, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience based on the specific qualities of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it is evident that the Cheese is lighter in both aspects. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Salt Ice has an actuation force of 45 grams with an unknown bottom out force. The slight difference in actuation force between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Cheese requiring a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches fall within a similar range of force, so users can expect comparable results in terms of feel and typing performance. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the HMX Cheese, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distance, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who are more sensitive to such nuances, the Cheese switch may feel slightly more substantial in comparison. Ultimately, whether you choose the Cheese or Salt Ice switch will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts your typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $4.29.
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.
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 the sound produced by the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches, the Cheese offers a unique clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that is sure to please those looking for an ultra-light switch. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches stand out with their exceptionally bright and clacky characteristics, providing a vibrant and energetic typing experience. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard they are used in and the keycaps installed.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cheese is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a satisfying feel with each key press. As for the Salt Ice switches, users can expect a light touch that is complemented by vibrant feedback and effortless actuation, making them a popular choice for those seeking a responsive typing feel. The specific feel of each switch will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing style.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cheese excels in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile, while the Salt Ice stands out for its bright and energetic characteristics. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on their personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the overall typing experience they are seeking. However, both switches offer quality options for those looking to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Cheese linear switch or the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you value a light and smooth typing experience with a satisfying poppy sound, the Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky typing experience with vibrant feedback, the Salt Ice switch could be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what qualities are most important to you when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, the decision between the HMX Cheese and Jerrzi Salt Ice switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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