Durock Black Lotus vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Jerrzi Seashell mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique characteristics that cater to the preferences of different users. The Black Lotus is known for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. With a 55g actuation weight that is substantial yet not too hefty, this switch is categorized as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switches stand out with their stunning purple hue, combining aesthetic beauty with functionality. They offer a light and clacky typing experience that remains comfortable and delightful even during long sessions, making them a true joy for keyboard enthusiasts. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Seashell switches provide a different typing feel compared to the Black Lotus. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Jerrzi Seashell offer unique characteristics that differentiate them from each other. The Black Lotus features a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium feel and unique sound profile. In contrast, the Seashell utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer clarity and resonance, the polycarbonate top housing of the Seashell is likely to showcase any RGB lighting due to its translucency, providing an additional aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, both switches share a common housing material for their bottom housing, which is nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize nylon bottom housings. Despite coming from different brands, the Durock Black Lotus and the Jerrzi Seashell both benefit from the use of nylon in their bottom housings, allowing for a satisfying typing experience with a distinct sound profile.
In terms of functionality, the different housing materials of the Black Lotus and the Seashell play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches. The top housing material influences the sound when pressing down and releasing a key, while the bottom housing material contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, showcasing the significance of housing materials in the design and performance of mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch differ in weight. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Seashell has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Seashell may be the better option, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Black Lotus with its heavier forces may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In comparing the two, the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance than the Seashell. A 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a balanced feel, while the 3.4mm travel distance of the Seashell is shallower and may result in a faster response time, which is preferred by gamers. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference, with those seeking a quicker response time opting for the Seashell with the shorter travel distance, and those desiring a more substantial key press choosing the Black Lotus with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer varying travel distances that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Durock Black Lotus switch has a reputation for a yet-to-be-determined auditory experience, while the Jerrzi Seashell switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The Black Lotus may provide a more subtle and refined sound compared to the vibrant and crisp sound of the Seashell switch. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Black Lotus is described as offering a silky, buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, emphasizing smoothness, ease of key activation, and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press sensation, indicating a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and makes typing effortless and comfortable. Both switches share a polished finish, promising reduced friction and smooth key movement for an enjoyable typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Durock Black Lotus and Jerrzi Seashell switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both aim to provide an exceptional typing experience for enthusiasts. The Black Lotus excels in smoothness and precision, boasting a moderate actuation weight and unique in-switch lighting feature, while the Seashell impresses with its attractive purple hue, light and clacky feel, and comfortable typing over extended use. Ultimately, deciding between these switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and design aesthetics. However, rest assured that both switches offer quality performance and satisfaction for your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you are looking for in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force, a smooth and precise typing experience with a unique light column design, and are comfortable with a certain level of sound and feel, then the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an aesthetically pleasing switch with a light and clacky typing experience that remains comfortable over long sessions, and are looking for a switch with a lighter actuation force, the Seashell switch might be more suited to your preferences. Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best aligns with your typing needs and preferences.
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