Last updated: 29 October 2026. Guide by Cloud Express, based on the e-liquids we stock.
Walk into any vape shop in Malaysia and you’ll see three words on the bottles: saltnic, freebase and HTPC. They aren’t flavours. They describe the type of nicotine in the liquid, and that changes how it feels, what strengths it comes in and which device it belongs in. This guide explains all three in plain language.
The short answer
- Saltnic (salt nicotine): smooth even at higher strengths. Made for pod devices and mouth-to-lung coils.
- Freebase: the traditional form of nicotine in e-liquid. It feels harsher at the same strength, so it’s usually vaped at lower strengths in coils that make more vapour.
- HTPC (High Throat-hit Pod Compatible): a Malaysian label for pod liquids made to give a stronger throat hit than standard saltnic.
Side by side
| Saltnic | Freebase | HTPC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throat hit | Smooth | Stronger at the same strength | Stronger than standard saltnic |
| Strengths in our range | 10mg and 20mg | Varies by brand (check the label) | 20mg (Krista HTPC series) |
| Best in | Pod devices, 0.6Ω to 1.0Ω coils | Lower-resistance coils that make more vapour | Pod devices made for HTPC |
| Draw style | Mouth-to-lung (MTL) | Restricted or direct-to-lung | Mouth-to-lung (MTL) |
| Examples we stock | Marvik, Unplug, Vapetape Saltnic, Fuselab, KOHS, Project Mint, Bangsawan, Krista Fruity | Vapetape Freebase, Fcukin’ Flava ADV | Krista Tobacco & Creamy |
What is saltnic?
Salt nicotine is nicotine combined with an acid (commonly benzoic acid). This lowers the liquid’s pH, which makes the vapour feel smoother on the throat. That’s why saltnic can be sold at higher strengths, such as 20mg, and still be comfortable in a small pod.
Saltnic belongs in low-power pod devices with higher-resistance coils (around 0.6Ω to 1.0Ω). Almost every pre-filled closed pod we sell is saltnic, for example the NCIG Pro Prefilled Pod (20mg/ml, 2%) and BOGAPOD 2ml cartridges.
Saltnic e-liquids we stock: Marvik 15ml, Unplug 15ml, Vapetape Saltnic 10mg, Fuselab, KOHS E-Liquid, Project Mint, Bangsawan Majapahit and the Fruity Series of Krista by Kardinal.
What is freebase?
Freebase is nicotine in its standard form, as used in the first e-liquids. Because it isn’t paired with an acid, it gives a sharper throat hit at the same strength. Freebase is usually vaped at lower strengths in devices and coils that produce more vapour, such as 0.4Ω cartridges.
Freebase e-liquids we stock: Vapetape Freebase 15ml, made to pair with the ASDF Offgrid Engage and ASDF Core, and Fcukin’ Flava ADV 30ml, a Malaysian freebase with moderate nicotine.
What is HTPC?
HTPC stands for High Throat-hit Pod Compatible. It’s a label used by Malaysian e-liquid brands for liquids that are made for pod devices but give a stronger throat hit than standard saltnic. If saltnic feels too soft for you in a pod, HTPC is the in-between option.
Formulas differ from brand to brand, so check the bottle for the strength. In our range, Krista by Kardinal comes in two series: Salt Nic (Fruity Series) and HTPC (Tobacco & Creamy Series), both at 20mg.
Which one fits your device?
- Closed pods and disposables: you don’t choose. They come pre-filled, usually with saltnic.
- Open pods made for all three: the Aladdin Pro PE511 Starter Kit can be filled with saltnic, freebase or HTPC.
- Open pods for saltnic or freebase: the ASDF Offgrid Reload (1.0Ω dual mesh) works with both.
- Lower-resistance cartridges: the 0.4Ω ASDF Core cartridge is built for direct-to-lung vaping, where freebase is the usual choice.
The coil matters as much as the liquid. Our 0.4Ω vs 0.6Ω vs 0.8Ω coil guide explains which resistance suits which liquid, and how to refill an open pod walks you through filling a cartridge.
FAQs
Is HTPC the same as saltnic?
No. Both are made for pods, but HTPC is made to give a stronger throat hit than standard saltnic.
What does 20mg mean on the bottle?
It means 20mg of nicotine per ml of liquid, which is 2%. Most of the saltnic liquids and pre-filled pods we sell are 20mg. Vapetape Saltnic 10mg is our lighter option.
Can I put freebase in any pod?
Only in open pods that can take it. Check the product page or the cartridge resistance first, or WhatsApp us at 019-620 6083 and we’ll tell you what suits your device.
Which one should I start with?
Many people who are new to pods start with saltnic in a closed-pod device, because there’s nothing to fill or adjust. Our pod vape guide for Malaysia covers how to choose a device.
Browse all E-Liquids or read the full pod vape guide.
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Nicotine is addictive. For adults aged 18 and over only.
