HMX Deep Navy vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Seashell each offer unique advantages that can enhance your typing experience. The Deep Navy switches are celebrated for their rich and sharp sound profile, created with a full nylon construction, promising a luxurious feel and silky smooth keystrokes thanks to their Ly stem. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a solid auditory feedback while enjoying a linear feel. Conversely, the Seashell switches stand out with their stunning purple hue and are recognized for their light and clacky nature, which adds a playful element to typing. With a lofty yet comfortable profile, these switches cater well to long typing sessions, delighting enthusiasts who value both aesthetics and functionality. While both switches offer a linear experience, their sound profiles and tactile responses can appeal to different preferences in the keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Seashell, it is essential to note their distinct approaches to sound profiling through their top housing materials. The Deep Navy employs a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer, more absorbent qualities. This choice yields a deeper, fuller sound profile that dampens sharper frequencies, resulting in a rounder auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Seashell utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is a stiffer material that emphasizes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This difference results in a clearer and more resonant typing experience, further enhanced by the translucency of polycarbonate that suits RGB lighting setups. Therefore, while both switches provide high-quality responses, the thematic audio characteristics they present are starkly different due to their contrasting top housing materials.
However, both switches converge on sound engineering principles regarding their bottom housing materials, as they both utilize nylon. This consistency in the bottom housing allows for a heavier impact on the overall typing feel and bottom-out sound. With both switches featuring nylon in this area, they produce a similar deep and rounded sound profile during bottoming out. As a result, despite the differing top housings, users can expect a comparable tactile and auditory feedback when pressing the keys down, reinforcing a seamless typing experience across the different styles without becoming jarring despite the sound divergences introduced by the top materials.
In conclusion, the housing materials used in the HMX Deep Navy and Jerrzi Seashell create distinct typing experiences due to the differences portrayed in their top structures while maintaining an auditory unity in their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing uniformly enhances the depth of experience across both switches, while the contrasting top materials either promote a warm, rounded sound or a crisp, bright tone. This combination allows users the ability to choose a switch that aligns more with their sound preference, while still enjoying a consistent base level of feedback and sound presence brought about by the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces. The Deep Navy switch requires an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Seashell has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users of the Deep Navy will benefit from a lighter keystroke, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Seashell could provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Regarding the bottom out force, the Deep Navy has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating the force required to fully depress the key. The Seashell’s bottom out force is listed as unknown, which leaves uncertainty about how it compares in this respect. Overall, the Deep Navy switch is lighter and may cater to users looking for comfort during prolonged use, while the Seashell is heavier, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we find that the Deep Navy has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Seashell offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prioritize faster response times and a more immediate feel when pressing down on a key, the Seashell may be the more favorable choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more satisfying and hearty depth, the Deep Navy would be better suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on whether you value responsiveness or depth, with the Deep Navy providing a longer travel experience compared to the Seashell.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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.
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 HMX Deep Navy switch features a rich and sharp profile, which can enhance the auditory feedback you receive during typing. This full nylon construction likely contributes to a warm, robust sound that adds a satisfying depth to each keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone. This results in a crisp, bright auditory experience that delivers a snappy response with every press. If you prefer a keyboard that stands out with a percussive element, the Seashell will appeal to your taste more than the Deep Navy, although sound can vary based on the board and keycap choices you make.
Feel-wise, the Deep Navy switches are noted for their silky smoothness, allowing for fluid keystrokes that enhance overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the Seashell switches are remarkably feathery and easy to press, requiring minimal exertion. This design feature contributes to a fatigue-free experience during extended use, greatly reducing strain on the fingers. Additionally, the polished nature of the Seashell switches ensures a refined touch that feels smooth and elegant with every keypress. While both switches offer compelling tactile experiences, the Deep Navy may be more about the smoothness, while the Seashell focuses on a light and effortless action.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Jerrzi Seashell switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy is perfect for those who enjoy a rich, full sound and silky feel, making it a great choice for users who value depth in audio feedback. Meanwhile, the Seashell shines with its clacky sound and exceptionally light actuation, ensuring an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience, particularly ideal for long sessions. Ultimately, whether you choose one or the other will depend on specific aesthetic and functional priorities in your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch will largely depend on your specific priorities in terms of sound and tactile feel. If you appreciate a rich, sharp audio profile that enhances your typing experience with a silky smooth keystroke, then the Deep Navy switch might be the right choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for a lighter touch, making it ideal for users who favor a responsive feel without requiring significant pressure on each key, especially beneficial during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are drawn to aesthetics alongside functionality, the Seashell switch, with its stunning purple hue and clacky, high-pitched sound, offers a delightful auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find enjoyable. The Seashell is designed to be incredibly easy to press, promoting a feathery touch that minimizes finger fatigue, making it a consideration for those who engage in extensive typing or gaming marathons. Ultimately, consider your preferences for sound quality, actuation force, and aesthetic appeal to select the switch that aligns best with your keyboard experience.
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