Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX FJ400

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role in the typing experience, and two notable options to consider are the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX FJ400, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Coral switch is celebrated for its distinctively crisp typing feel and a lower-pitched resonance, providing an exquisite balance of nuanced sophistication and stellar performance that turns every keystroke into a pleasure. Its silky texture enhances the overall typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback. On the other hand, the HMX FJ400 serves as a middle ground in the HMX Film switch lineup, offering a balanced sound profile ideal for those who seek a harmonious auditory experience while typing. While both options provide a linear experience characterized by smooth and uninterrupted key presses, their unique qualities cater to different preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Coral Linear

HMX FJ400 Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX FJ400, a distinct contrast emerges in the top housing material used in each switch. The Coral features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes significantly to this clear and resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the FJ400 utilizes a POM top housing, which delivers a deeper, more muted sound. This difference in top housing materials creates distinct auditory experiences, with the Coral providing a brighter, more vibrant sound and the FJ400 leaning towards a warmer, rounded acoustic profile.

While the top housings are markedly different, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing is a classic choice that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer properties which absorb sound, making the resultant auditory experience more rounded. Since both switches share this common ground in their bottom housing, they offer some similarities in their overall sound character when bottoming out a key. This similarity suggests that despite the variations in top housing, the deeper sound signature produced by the nylon bottom housing helps to bridge the differences between them, allowing users to enjoy a warmer, more resonant typing experience.

Ultimately, even though the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX FJ400 differ in their top housing materials—venturing into the crispness of polycarbonate versus the muted tones of POM—the shared nylon bottom housing allows them to echo similar sound profiles when typing. The individual qualities of both the top and bottom materials combine to create unique auditory experiences; however, the influence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that users will still appreciate a familiar depth and fullness in the sound produced by both switches. Thus, while they present distinct upper characteristics, the Coral and FJ400 harmoniously unite in the richer sound offered by their nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Coral switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, especially for users seeking a lighter feel. In contrast, the FJ400 features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a stronger feedback. However, while the Coral's bottom out force is unknown, the FJ400's bottom out force is specified at 58 grams, indicating a distinct difference in the overall pressure needed to bottom out the switch. As such, if you prioritize a lighter switch, the Coral may be the better choice, while the FJ400 offers a firmer resistance that could enhance tactile feedback for some users.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, we find that the Coral has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the FJ400 measures at 3.8 mm. This makes the Coral the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive feel, which could be favorable for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the FJ400, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses, offering a sensation that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus the tactile depth of the keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch stands out with its distinctively low-pitched resonance, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This characteristic not only enhances the auditory experience but also contributes to a refined, sophisticated typing atmosphere. In contrast, the HMX FJ400 linear switch offers a balanced sound profile, though its specific traits in terms of sound are not detailed. Since the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, users might still achieve a pleasant auditory experience with either switch depending on their overall setup.

Regarding feel, the Coral switch shines with its silky typing sensation, providing an exceptionally smooth experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This contributes to a more enjoyable and fluid typing experience, making it a suitable option for extensive typing sessions or gaming. The FJ400 does not have specific descriptors provided for its feel, but given that it is part of the HMX Film switch lineup, it likely shares some qualities that would foster a satisfying typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Coral and HMX FJ400 linear switches possess qualities that can cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Coral's low-pitched sound and silky feel provide a distinctive and enjoyable typing experience, while the FJ400 offers a more balanced sound profile. If you're seeking a crisp and sophisticated typing sensation, the Coral might be the better choice, while the FJ400 could serve well for those who prefer a more neutral auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on personal preference and the integration of other components in your keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX FJ400 linear switch, consider what aspects are most important for your typing experience and usage. If you value a smooth, silky feel with a lower-pitched resonance that delivers an exquisite balance of sophistication and performance, the Coral switch may be your best choice. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a refined typing feel and enjoy a more mellow auditory experience, making it great for both typing and gaming scenarios where precision and comfort are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force combined with a balanced sound profile, the FJ400 switch offers a more versatile approach. This switch provides a solid feel that can appeal to users who want a bit more feedback during their keystrokes, making it suitable for general use, including gaming and office tasks. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and low-pitched typing experience or a balanced feel with medium resistance.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Coral Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more

HMX FJ400 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more