TTC Gold Brown vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the TTC Gold Brown and the Jerrzi Seashell. The Gold Brown switch is praised for its balanced nature, featuring a slight bump and a moderate weightiness that provides a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Seashell switch stands out with its stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel that makes typing a joy for enthusiasts. While the Gold Brown offers a softer sound profile, the Seashell switch delivers a high-pitched and easy-to-press sensation. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown and the Jerrzi Seashell utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for light to shine through. The similarities in top housing material indicate that both switches would offer similar sound characteristics and aesthetic benefits when it comes to RGB lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Gold Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Seashell also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, highlighting the classic nature of this material in providing a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both switches are likely to offer a satisfying typing experience due to the qualities nylon brings to the table.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the top housing material contributes to the sound profile when releasing a key, the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding the qualities of different housing materials, such as the stiffness of polycarbonate and the sound absorption of nylon, can help users make informed decisions based on their preference for sound and typing experience. Ultimately, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Jerrzi Seashell offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Seashell's 45 grams, making it the heavier of the two. Additionally, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams to bottom out, whereas the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force for both switches determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Seashell, while the Gold Brown might be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Seashell has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown. The Gold Brown's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, offering a slightly deeper key press feel, while the Seashell's 3.4 mm travel distance is shallower and may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time. Both switches provide different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a neutral sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, providing a balanced auditory experience suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, snappy, and crisp, catering to individuals who enjoy a lively and percussive typing experience. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Gold Brown offering a more subtle and rounded sound while the Seashell delivers a more vibrant and energetic auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience with accented tactility, offering a smooth and approachable keystroke sensation that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel that is light and effortless on the fingers, reducing fatigue and providing a comfortable typing experience for extended use. Both switches feature a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for an enhanced typing feel. The choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a more tactile and refined typing experience with the Gold Brown or a lighter and effortless feel with the Seashell.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown switch and Jerrzi Seashell switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown provides a balanced and buttery typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Seashell offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will hinge on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches guarantee a quality typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results with either choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value a balanced typing experience with a moderate bump and weightiness, along with a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and clacky typing experience with a stunning purple aesthetic, the Seashell switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing feel. So, take into account these characteristics when selecting the mechanical keyboard switch that best suits your needs and enhances your typing experience.