Jerrzi Coral vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Jerrzi Coral, a linear switch, and the Outemu Lime, a tactile switch. The Coral switch is revered for its crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a sophisticated balance of performance and elegance. On the other hand, the Lime switch boasts a unique lightweight design with approachable tactility, perfect for those who desire a feather-light typing experience with a subtle touch of tactile feedback. While the Coral switch is best suited for those looking for a silky typing experience, the Lime switch caters to tactile fans seeking a muted and polished keystroke. 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
40g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Coral and the Outemu Lime, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the two differ when it comes to their top housing material. The Coral features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Lime's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, emphasizing the differences in sound profiles between the two switches.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switch, it's evident that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while releasing a key will emphasize the sound produced by the top housing. This distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a dynamic typing experience, with different sound profiles depending on whether a key is being pressed or released.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Jerrzi Coral and the Outemu Lime, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of polycarbonate in the Coral's top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users seeking a more rounded sound profile. While the bottom housings in both switches utilize nylon, resulting in a similar dull and round sound, it is the top housing materials that truly set these switches apart in terms of sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Lime's 35 grams, making the Lime slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. As for bottom out force, the Coral's force is unknown, while the Lime has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Lime requires slightly more force to fully press a key compared to the Coral. In terms of weight preferences, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Lime for its lower actuation force, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Coral due to its potentially heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Jerrzi Coral has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Lime. The Coral falls within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times, while the Lime provides a bit more depth with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer reasonable travel distances that cater to different preferences, with the Coral being slightly longer than the Lime. So, depending on your preference for a shorter or slightly longer travel distance, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched resonance, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as having a neutral and muted sound profile, perfect for those seeking a quieter typing experience. While the Coral switch emphasizes a lower-pitched sound, the Lime switch focuses on minimizing noise for a more subdued typing environment. Depending on your personal preference and setup, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, with the Coral offering a deeper tone and the Lime providing a quieter typing experience overall.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is praised for its silky and smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall comfort during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is characterized as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience that is light to press and easy on the fingers. Both switches ensure a comfortable typing feel, with the Coral emphasizing smoothness and the Lime focusing on light actuation force and reduced friction. Whether you prefer a silky typing experience or a feathery light touch, both switches offer a pleasant and ergonomic feel for extended typing sessions.
Considering both the sound and feel of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Coral switch excels in providing a low-pitched resonance for a more bass-heavy and mellow typing tone, coupled with a silky and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a neutral and muted sound profile, along with a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing feel that is light and gentle on the fingers. Depending on whether you prioritize sound depth or typing comfort, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Coral and Lime switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, ensuring that you'll get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing experience. If you value a crisp typing feel with lower-pitched resonance and a balance of sophistication and performance, the Coral switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with approachable tactility and a silenced sound profile, the Lime switch would be the better choice for you. Keep in mind that the Coral switch is ideal for those looking for a silky smooth typing experience, while the Lime switch offers a mild, feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches have their unique qualities, so consider your typing needs and preferences before making a decision. Ultimately, the right switch for you will enhance your typing experience and make every keystroke a delight.