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KTT Ash Gray vs. Jerrzi Seashell

An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Ash Gray and the Jerrzi Seashell each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing experiences and preferences. The Ash Gray switch is celebrated for its tactility, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive feel that strikes a balance between noticeable feedback and a smooth touch, making it a great choice for users who appreciate a mild tactile response during typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch dazzles not only with its striking purple hue but also with its light and clacky design, delivering a high-pitched, enjoyable auditory experience that adds a layer of excitement to every keystroke. This makes the Seashell particularly appealing for those who relish an engaging and dynamic typing sensation over extended periods. 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

38g

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

53g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.20 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

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

18mm spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and the Jerrzi Seashell both employ polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to similar acoustic properties. Polycarbonate is recognized for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This firmness allows vibrations to resonate more clearly, creating a crisp and well-defined auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enriches the visual appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved; light passes through effectively, enhancing the aesthetics of both models. Consequently, users can expect a strikingly similar sound signature and lighting effect from both switches, thanks to their shared top housing material.

In contrast, both the Ash Gray and the Seashell utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which further enhances their acoustic characteristics but in a different manner. Nylon is characterized by its softer composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This absorption not only contributes to a more rounded auditory experience but also serves to soften the impact noise when bottoming out. As a result, users of both the Ash Gray and Jerrzi Seashell will benefit from this deeper sound profile, which complements the crisper sounds emanating from the polycarbonate top housing.

Combining the properties of both housing materials, the KTT Ash Gray and the Jerrzi Seashell offer complementary sounds that blend the clarity of the polycarbonate top and the warmth of the nylon bottom. This means when a user presses down on either switch, they will primarily experience the sound qualities of the nylon housing, while releasing the key will reveal the sharper notes from the polycarbonate top. Therefore, although the two models are distinct in aesthetic and branding, they share a common sound experience that results from their similar housing materials, ultimately ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users regardless of their choice.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in actuation force. The Ash Gray requires a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods of use. In contrast, the Seashell requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Seashell is unknown, preventing a direct comparison in that aspect. The Ash Gray also features a bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating that it provides a more defined tactile feedback when fully pressed compared to the Seashell, which lacks this specification. Overall, the Ash Gray is the lighter option suitable for comfort-focused typing, while the Seashell offers a heavier actuation that some may prefer for a more pronounced push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Ash Gray switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Seashell switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive key feel, the Seashell may be the better choice, as it offers a marginally reduced travel distance. Conversely, for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, the Ash Gray switch may be more appealing. Overall, the Ash Gray is the longer travel option, and the Seashell, at 3.4 mm, is the shorter one, making them suitable for different preferences in typing or gaming experiences.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.

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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral profile. It features a moderate actuation force and a balanced sound that makes it versatile for various settings, whether at home or in a professional environment. The quiet operation makes it suitable for typists who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature. This switch produces a sharp and bright noise when pressed, providing an exciting and lively auditory feedback that might be more enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound in their typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal force, making it a comfortable choice for long typing periods. This mild tactile feedback provides a nice middle ground that is approachable to most users, resulting in a well-balanced typing experience. Similarly, the Seashell switch is also easy to press, requiring little exertion while being feathery in feel. Its lightweight design ensures that users experience low finger fatigue during both extended typing and gaming sessions. Additionally, the Seashell's polished construction enhances the smoothness of key presses, contributing to an overall refined typing experience.

In summary, while the KTT Ash Gray and Jerrzi Seashell switches differ notably in their sound profiles, with the former being more neutral and the latter being clacky and high-pitched, they share a comparable feel characterized by their gentle actuation forces. Both switches prioritize comfort and reduce finger fatigue, making them well-suited for long periods of use. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on the importance of auditory feedback versus the tactile experience, as both offer unique advantages to keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate tactile feedback but prefer a more moderate typing experience, the Ash Gray is ideal. Its 53-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance that provides enough resistance to feel satisfying without being overwhelming, making it suitable for long typing sessions or office use where a quieter sound profile is beneficial. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter, clackier typing experience and appreciate vibrant aesthetics, the Seashell is your go-to. It provides a feathery feel combined with a bright, percussive sound that can enhance gaming sessions or casual typing while adding a pop of color to your setup. Ultimately, select the Ash Gray for a more subtle tactile experience, especially in quieter settings, while the Seashell is perfect for those who prioritize a fun, audible typing sensation and effortless key presses during intense gaming or creative endeavors.

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