Okay, I tried searching but couldn't find a good answer.

What is the difference between SLX and XT components? I'm putting together a MTB (GT Ricochet~USA sticker, don't know the year) with XTR crankset, XT Front Der, XT wheels~ mullet bike with disc front, canti rear.

What I'm getting at is, are SLX/XT similar enought to run together? I plan on running friction shifting since I hate clickers...

Any input would be nice. I know basically nothing about SLX...