Jerrzi Coral vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable linear switches to consider are the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX SU. The Coral switch stands out for its crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, offering a silky and sophisticated touch that enhances every keystroke. This makes it an attractive option for users looking for a smooth typing experience infused with elegance. On the other hand, the HMX SU boasts a full PA12 housing and a T5 stem, which contribute to its subtle yet relatively deep sound profile—ideal for those who prefer a solid auditory presence without overwhelming noise. While both switches offer a linear response that promotes swift key presses, the Coral tends to cater to those desiring refinement, while the SU is designed for a more grounded typing feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and the HMX SU switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound and aesthetic properties. The Jerrzi Coral features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its clarity and resonance. This stiffer plastic enhances the sound profile, delivering a sharper and crisper auditory experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting, allowing colors to shine through effectively. In contrast, the HMX SU employs a nylon top housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This results in a sound that is rounder and less sharp compared to the Coral's output. The aesthetic implications of the two materials are also notable; while polycarbonate exudes a modern and vibrant look, nylon often presents a more subdued appearance.
Both switches share the same bottom housing material, as the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX SU both utilize nylon for this component. The nylon's inherent properties contribute similarly to the overall acoustics of both switches, promoting a deeper sound that feels fuller under keystrokes. This consistency in bottom housing ensures that regardless of the differences presented by their respective top housings, the Coral and SU will produce a comparable tactile feedback and a similar lower-end audio experience when a key is pressed. The nylon's ability to absorb sound enhances the roundness of the typing feel, creating a solid and comfortable typing experience shared by both switches.
The divergence in the top housing materials becomes particularly relevant when considering the overall sound signature of each switch. While the Jerrzi Coral's polycarbonate top housing allows for a snappier and more pronounced release sound, the HMX SU's nylon top housing results in a more subdued and muffled key release. As such, users may prefer one switch over the other based on their desired auditory experience. In summary, while both the Coral and SU leverage nylon for their bottom housings to achieve similar tactile qualities, the contrast brought by their top housings creates a distinctive typing experience, ultimately catering to different user preferences in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, distinct differences emerge in their characteristics. The Coral switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more suitable for individuals who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly ideal for extended use in work or gaming environments. In contrast, the HMX SU switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a bit more resistance and may appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing feel. Additionally, the bottom-out force of the SU switch is specified at 50 grams, providing clear feedback when reaching the end of the keystroke, while the bottom-out force for the Coral is currently unknown. Thus, while the Coral offers a lighter actuation force, the SU presents a more definitive bottom-out experience, making it preferable for users who appreciate tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Coral the longer option, providing a deeper engagement compared to the SU. For gamers or users seeking quicker response times, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the SU may be more appealing, as it could facilitate faster key presses. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may find the Coral’s 3.7 mm travel distance to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding depth versus responsiveness.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Jerrzi Coral and the HMX SU linear switches, both options exhibit lower-pitched characteristics but in slightly different ways. The Coral switch is known for its distinctively crisp and lower-pitched resonance, which provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone that enhances the overall auditory experience during typing. Meanwhile, the SU linear switch features a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, though concrete descriptors for its tonal qualities are not specified. The result is that both switches deliver a sound experience that leans towards a more muted and refined auditory signature, making them suitable for environments where quieter operation is appreciated. However, it's essential to note that the sound produced can vary significantly depending on keycap choice and the keyboard chassis.
In terms of feel, the Coral switch excels with its silky smoothness, offering an exceptionally refined typing experience. This feature not only minimizes resistance but also enhances the overall enjoyment of each keystroke, allowing for fluid and rapid typing. On the other hand, while specific descriptions for the feel of the SU linear switch are not provided, it can be assumed that it aims for a similarly smooth experience, though the absence of detailed feedback means one cannot definitively compare it to the Coral's standout silky quality.
Overall, the Jerrzi Coral and HMX SU linear switches present compelling options for those seeking a smooth typing experience accompanied by a sophisticated sound profile. The Coral's silky feel and crisp, low-pitched resonance naturally set it apart, but the SU linear switch, with its subtle deep sound profile, may still provide a satisfying performance. Ultimately, both switches promise a delightful typing experience, yet the Coral might appeal more to users prioritizing that luxurious smoothness and clear auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth, silky typing experience paired with a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound, the Coral switch is likely the best fit for you. Its unique characteristics make it ideal for those who value performance and an elegant typing feel, making it particularly well-suited for writing or programming tasks where comfort and responsiveness are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer bottom-out force and appreciate a deeper sound profile, the HMX SU linear switch may be your preferred option. Its moderate resistance and unique sound may appeal to gamers or typists who enjoy tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. In conclusion, your choice should reflect your comfort needs and the auditory experience you desire—each switch excels in its own right, catering to different facets of the typing experience.
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