HMX 1989 vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the HMX 1989 and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and the Jerrzi Seashell stand out as two enticing options within the linear category. The HMX 1989, renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, offers a satisfying auditory experience that can enhance the immersion during gaming or typing. Its solid, substantial feel appeals to those who prioritize a robust feedback mechanism in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell captivates users not only with its delightful purple hue but also with its light and clacky characteristics, creating an enjoyable typing experience that balances both aesthetics and functionality. The Seashell’s high-pitched, polished notes provide a more playful sound that many users find pleasing, especially during extended typing sessions. While both switches offer unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and design. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX 1989 and the Jerrzi Seashell share a notable similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile produced by the switches. Both switches benefit from the stiff nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Furthermore, the transparency of the polycarbonate material enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly for users who enjoy RGB lighting. The clear housing allows the light to illuminate the keycap legends and adds a captivating visual element to the user experience. Thus, both the HMX 1989 and the Jerrzi Seashell are equipped with materials that create a comparable sonic experience and an appealing design.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of the 1989 and the Seashell utilize nylon, a material known for its softer texture. This shared characteristic leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's ability to absorb sound waves produces a rounder and more muted auditory experience. While polycarbonate contributes to the sharper notes of the top housing, the nylon bottom housing excels in providing a satisfying dampening effect. This contrasts the stiffer material's output, resulting in a harmonious blend of sounds when the switches are engaged. Therefore, while both switches feature polycarbonate tops for clarity, their nylon bottoms facilitate a deeper acoustic quality.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the HMX 1989 and Jerrzi Seashell creates a balanced typing experience that appeals to different preferences. By utilizing a stiffer material for the top housing to enhance brightness and a softer material for the bottom housing to ensure warmth in sound, both switches deliver unique yet complementary auditory experiences. Ultimately, this harmonious pairing allows users to enjoy a variety of acoustic qualities while experiencing the distinct benefits derived from the specific properties of each material.
Weight
The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience similar responsiveness when pressing down to activate a keystroke. This medium-light actuation force is ideal for individuals seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the two switches diverges, with the HMX 1989 having a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the bottom out force for the Seashell is unknown. This means that while both switches have a consistent actuation feel, the HMX 1989 offers a firmer bottoming out experience, which could cater to those who prefer more feedback when a key is fully pressed down. In terms of overall weight and typing feel, the HMX 1989 is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, potentially appealing more to users who favor a substantial push feel. In contrast, the Seashell, with its lighter actuation but unknown bottom out, may provide a more varied experience that's not detailed, making it less predictable for users who want a definitively heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we see a clear difference. The HMX 1989 has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for deeper key presses, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feel when typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to users who prefer quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. Consequently, if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the Seashell would better suit your needs, while the HMX 1989 is better for those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes. Thus, the HMX 1989 is the longer switch, while the Jerrzi Seashell is the shorter option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX 1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the 1989 for $3.29.
The Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell 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 sound, the HMX 1989 linear switch delivers a deep and thocky tone, creating a satisfying auditory experience that is often favored by enthusiasts seeking a heavier acoustical presence. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch features a lighter, clacky sound profile that is characterized as sharp, bright, and percussive. This distinction makes the Seashell particularly engaging for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The sound produced by both switches can be influenced by several factors, including the choice of keyboard board and keycaps; however, the 1989 leans towards a richer, deeper sound, while the Seashell offers a crisper, high-pitched response.
Regarding feel, the 1989 is renowned for its smooth and refined actuation, which encourages a seamless typing experience. It allows for fluid key travel, making it a favorite among those who need a switch that can handle prolonged use without compromising comfort. Conversely, the Seashell switches are designed to be exceptionally light and easy to press, necessitating minimal force for actuation. This feathery quality reduces finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for those who type for extended periods, whether for work or gaming. Additionally, the Seashell switches offer a polished finish that enhances the smoothness of each key press, resulting in a highly responsive and enjoyable typing feel.
In summary, while both the HMX 1989 and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The 1989 is perfect for users who appreciate a deeper auditory profile and smooth actuation, while the Seashell excels with its lightweight and clacky characteristics. Both switches promise comfort for long typing sessions, making them solid choices for any keyboard enthusiast. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the thocky depth of the 1989 or the lively, bright feedback of the Seashell.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it’s essential to consider your specific typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams that offers a deeper, thockier feel—ideal for immersive gaming sessions or typing experiences—then the HMX 1989 is likely your best bet. Its reputation for providing a satisfying typing experience makes it well-suited for those who value sound and feel during intensive gaming or prolonged typing tasks. On the other hand, if you're drawn to lighter switches that require minimal effort to press, the Seashell switch is perfect for you. Its feathery touch and crisp, clacky sound profile beautifully balance aesthetics and performance, making it particularly enjoyable for long typing sessions or casual gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, whether you lean towards a solid but slightly heavier feel or a lightweight, easy-to-press option that ensures comfort throughout extended usage.
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