Jerrzi Coral vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Coral and Cherry MX Orange offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Jerrzi Coral switch stands out for its crisp typing feel and low-pitched resonance, delivering an exquisite balance of nuanced sophistication and stellar performance with each keystroke—a great choice for those who value a smooth and refined tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches, reissued from their original version, boast enhancements to meet increasing demand, making them a solid pick for gamers and typists alike who appreciate the reliability synonymous with Cherry switches. While both are linear switches that provide a seamless typing experience, their individual characteristics cater to different user needs. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Jerrzi Coral and Cherry MX Orange switches showcase distinct characteristics due to their variations in top housing materials. The Jerrzi Coral utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and transparency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp auditory experience when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of illuminated keys. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch features a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded auditory experience that contrasts with the Coral's crisper tones.
Considering the bottom housing materials, both the Jerrzi Coral and Cherry MX Orange switches share a commonality with nylon, which contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile. The design of both switches incorporates nylon in the bottom housing, which absorbs sound and dampens vibrations, resulting in a sound that is perceived as softer and less sharp. This shared use of nylon for the bottom housing means that, regardless of the differences in the top materials, users can expect a similar auditory characteristic stemming from the softness of the nylon in both switches. Therefore, the overall sound experience when bottoming out the keys will exhibit similarity between the two switches due to their common material choice.
When considering the combined effects of both housing materials, it's important to note that the unique properties of each housing will influence the overall switch performance. The top housing's material will define the sound profile when letting go of the key, while the bottom housing's material will play a crucial role in the feel and sound upon bottoming out. Users of the Jerrzi Coral may enjoy a more vibrant and clear sound upon release due to the polycarbonate top, while the Cherry MX Orange’s nylon top will yield a softer, rounder sound. Nevertheless, when typing, both switches will offer a comparable experience at the bottom since both utilize nylon in the lower housing, demonstrating how two different top materials can still lead to similar experiences in terms of bottoming out, providing a diverse yet cohesive auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force. The Coral switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, whereas the MX Orange requires a heavier 55 grams to activate. This difference suggests that the Coral may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for both switches is currently unknown, so we cannot draw specific conclusions about how they feel when fully pressed down. If the bottom out forces were comparable, users might experience similar results in terms of keystroke feel when bottoming out. Overall, for those who favor a lighter, easier press, the Jerrzi Coral is the clear choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial push feel may lean towards the heavier Cherry MX Orange switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, we find that they differ notably. The Jerrzi Coral has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Orange measures 4 mm. This makes the Coral the shorter option, appealing to users who favor faster response times typical of shorter travel distances favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its longer travel distance, may be more suitable for individuals who appreciate a deeper feel when pressing the keys, providing a more traditional typing experience. Thus, if responsiveness is a priority, the Jerrzi Coral would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a more substantial keypress might gravitate toward the Cherry MX Orange.
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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 Jerrzi Coral linear switch delivers a distinctive low-pitched resonance that emits a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This characteristic sound profile provides a more subtle auditory experience compared to higher-pitched switches, making it pleasant for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, the sound qualities of the Cherry MX Orange switch remain unspecified, but it's important to note that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used. Consequently, while the Coral has a defined tonal quality, the MX Orange might share similarities depending on the keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Coral switch is recognized for its silky smoothness, which enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This transition between keystrokes feels effortlessly fluid, encouraging a more comfortable and enjoyable typing rhythm. The specifics of the feel of the Cherry MX Orange switch are not detailed, making it unclear how it compares in this regard. However, linear switches, in general, are designed to provide a smooth keystroke experience, which could imply that users might find a certain level of smoothness in the MX Orange as well.
In summary, both the Jerrzi Coral and Cherry MX Orange switches present their unique qualities, particularly with the Coral showcasing a low-pitched sound and a silky feel. While information on the sound and feel of the MX Orange is limited, linear switches generally provide smooth keystrokes, so users can expect a pleasant typing experience from both options. Ultimately, for newcomers, the choice may come down to personal preference, with the Coral offering a particularly refined sound and typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth, sophisticated typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Coral switch might be your ideal choice. It excels in providing a silky feel, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming where dexterity and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you are drawn to the legacy of classic Cherry switches, the MX Orange could be a suitable option, especially if you are looking for a robust and reliable switch reimagined from an original variant. Consider your environment too—if you prefer a more subdued sound, the Coral's low-pitched tone may better suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits; your decision should align with what feels right for your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek.