Kailh Box Royal vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Jerrzi Seashell offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal is a tactile switch known for its sharp, binary tactility, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more aggressive typing experience. On the other hand, the Seashell is a linear switch that stands out with its stunning purple hue and offers a light and clacky typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable for long periods. While the Box Royal is characterized as 'Sharp' and 'High-pitched', the Seashell is described as 'Clacky', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', 'High-pitched', 'Easy-to-press', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and Jerrzi Seashell switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Box Royal's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Seashell's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the Seashell's clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switch that the Box Royal's opaque nylon housing does not offer.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to a deep and full sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material results in a shared characteristic of duller and rounder sound profiles for both the Box Royal and Seashell switches. However, where the two switches differ is in their top housings. The distinctive qualities of nylon and polycarbonate contribute to different sound profiles, with the Box Royal offering a deeper sound and the Seashell providing a crisper sound.
Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance is crucial for keyboard enthusiasts. The qualities of the top and bottom housings of a switch play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing. While the Box Royal and Seashell switches share a nylon bottom housing, the differences in their respective top housings result in unique typing experiences. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal and Jerrzi Seashell switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal has a heavier force of 70 grams compared to the Seashell, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience due to its medium-heavy bottom out force, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Seashell switch's unknown bottom out force may provide a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for typing for longer periods of time or extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Box Royal has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Seashell. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are currently popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing or gaming experience. If you prefer a switch with a slightly more substantial depth to the key press, you may lean towards the Kailh Box Royal, while those looking for a slightly shorter travel distance may prefer the Jerrzi Seashell. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, providing 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 Box Royal 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 Box Royal switch offers a high-pitched, sharp, and crisp sound when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, contributing to an enjoyable and bright typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound profiles, both switches offer distinct auditory characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile bump that provides a high feedback intensity, allowing you to feel the distinct tactile response with each key press. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal exertion from your fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the polished finish of the Seashell switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, enhancing the overall comfort and enjoyment of using these switches.
Overall, the Kailh Box Royal switch is ideal for those seeking an aggressive and tactile typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Jerrzi Seashell switch appeals to users looking for a light, clacky feel with a polished finish for a comfortable and delightful typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that meets your specific preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are someone who values a strong and sharp tactile bump in your switches and enjoys a higher-pitched sound profile, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more comfortable typing experience with a feathery feel and a clacky sound, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs.
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