Kailh Berry vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and the Jerrzi Seashell both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Berry is beloved for its linear design, providing a sturdy and tactile typing experience with a distinct chalk-like texture and deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell stands out with its striking purple hue and light, clacky feel that makes typing a joyous experience. While the Berry switch offers a more textured and bassy feel, the Seashell switch is known for being easy-to-press and polished. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Seashell switches share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing feature. This commonality ensures that both switches will provide a similar sound and aesthetic experience to users who prefer the characteristics of polycarbonate.
On the other hand, the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Seashell switches differ in the material used for their bottom housings. The Kailh Berry utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the material that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. While both switches share this attribute, the subtle differences in the sound profile may appeal to users with varying preferences for typing feedback.
When considering how the qualities of the top and bottom housings impact the overall user experience, it becomes evident that the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Seashell switches offer a blend of characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a significant impact on the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing material plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key, contributing to the overall sound profile of the switch. By understanding the division of qualities between the top and bottom housings, users can choose a switch that aligns with their preferred typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is evident that they both offer different experiences for users. The Kailh Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience, while the actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, offering a lighter touch for typing, but the bottom out force is not specified. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Seashell switch may be the ideal choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. However, for users who enjoy a more substantial push when typing, the Berry switch with its heavier bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quicker response times. Gamers looking for a snappier feel may prefer the Seashell with its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Berry switch. Ultimately, the difference of only 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant enough to drastically impact the user experience, and both switches are likely to provide similar results in terms of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone during key presses, providing a rich and mellow sound experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, crisp, and bright. The Seashell switch is more percussive in its sound profile, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Berry switch. Sound preferences can vary greatly among keyboard enthusiasts, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between these two switches.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured feel, providing noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can add a tactile feedback that some users may enjoy. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Seashell switch is also described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. These differences in feel can greatly impact the typing experience and should be considered when selecting a switch.
Overall, while the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches offer different sound and feel characteristics, both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the deep and bassy sound of the Berry switch with its textured feel or the clacky and high-pitched sound of the Seashell switch with its feathery and easy-to-press feel, both options cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. It's important to consider how sound and feel will influence your typing experience before making a decision between these two switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, think about the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a springy feel with a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile, the Berry switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force might be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a light and clacky typing experience with stunning aesthetics and a comfortable feel over long sessions, the Seashell switch would be a delightful option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and aesthetics to ensure you enjoy your typing experience to the fullest.
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