HMX Gravel vs. Jerrzi Seashell

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Seashell both stand out as excellent options for linear switch enthusiasts, each catering to different preferences and styles. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, providing a medium-light actuation force that favors a more effortless and responsive experience—ideal for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell enchants with its beautiful purple hue while delivering a light and clacky typing sensation, making each keystroke both delightful and comfortable for extended sessions. While the Gravel excels in smoothness, the Seashell shines in its engaging auditory feedback and aesthetic appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch suits your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Gravel Linear

Jerrzi Seashell Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Gravel and Jerrzi Seashell both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing materials, which contributes to their sound profiles being notably similar. Polycarbonate is recognized for its rigidity, leading to a quicker response and a clearer, crisper sound when typing. This shared characteristic means that both switches will likely produce high-pitched tones that are well-defined, offering typists an engaging auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucence of polycarbonate makes both the Gravel and the Seashell aesthetically pleasing, particularly for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the illumination can shine brightly through the clear top housing, enhancing the visual appeal.

Meanwhile, the bottom housing of both models features nylon, a material that diverges in its acoustic properties from polycarbonate. Nylon is softer, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This inherent softness means that the switches will absorb sound, leading to a more rounded, cushioned typing experience. While the same nylon material is employed in both the Gravel and Seashell, this choice creates an effective balance between the crisper sounds of the polycarbonate top and the warmer tones produced by the nylon bottom. Thus, despite their differences, the combination of these materials in both switches results in a rich sound profile, with the bottom housing providing a deeper resonance while the top housing ensures clarity.

Ultimately, while the HMX Gravel and the Jerrzi Seashell use the same materials in both their top and bottom housings, the interaction between these materials leads to a harmonious balance in their overall acoustic characteristics. The top housing contributes to sharper, more resonant sounds, while the bottom housing imparts a fuller, warmer depth. This synergy exemplifies how switching materials can be utilized in tandem to create a diverse typing experience, even among models that share identical material choices. Users can expect a blend of both clarity and warmth, making either switch an appealing choice for enthusiasts seeking a nuanced auditory feedback when typing.

Weight

The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent typing experience in terms of the effort needed to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Gravel switch has a defined value of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall for users who prefer a less strenuous key press, especially during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Seashell's bottom out force remains unknown, leaving its overall feel somewhat ambiguous. This aspect may be crucial for enthusiasts seeking a substantial typing experience, especially if the Seashell has a heavier bottom out force. Consequently, if weight is a priority, the Gravel switch could appeal more to those who value a lighter touch, while users inclined toward a more forceful feedback may find the Seashell more suitable, depending on its undisclosed bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we find that the Gravel features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Seashell has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Gravel the longer travel option and the Seashell the shorter one. If your preference leans towards more responsiveness, the Seashell might appeal to you due to its shorter distance, facilitating quicker actuation. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial depth when typing, the Gravel switch would be the better choice, offering a more pronounced feel under your fingers. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, their subtle differences cater to different user experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Gravel and Jerrzi Seashell switches, a clear distinction emerges. The Gravel switch does not have a specific sound description provided, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Seashell is characterized as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound upon actuation. This lively auditory feedback greatly enhances the overall typing experience for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound with each key press. However, it's essential to remember that the ultimate sound profile is influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and other factors, so listeners may find further variations depending on these elements.

In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are noteworthy. The HMX Gravel switch is known for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing feel, benefitting from a medium-light actuation force that leans towards a lighter touch. This combination results in a responsive typing experience that users find gratifying. On the other hand, the Seashell switches boast a very light and feathery feel, further enhanced by an easy-to-press actuation force. This design reduces finger fatigue considerably, making it highly comfortable for prolonged use. Additionally, the Seashell is noted for having a polished finish, contributing to its smooth key travel and overall luxurious feel.

In conclusion, while the HMX Gravel switch emphasizes smoothness and a refined typing experience, the Jerrzi Seashell switch stands out for its lively sound and effortless feel. Users seeking a light and enjoyable typing experience will likely appreciate both switches, although they cater to slightly different preferences. For those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Seashell is the clear winner. However, both switches offer positive attributes that can elevate a mechanical keyboard experience, making them suitable options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing enjoyment.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch largely depends on what you're prioritizing in your typing experience. If you value exceptional smoothness and a refined feel while you type, along with a medium-light actuation force, the HMX Gravel switch is an excellent choice. Its responsive design enables effortless typing, making it ideal for tasks that require frequent typing, like programming or writing. On the other hand, if aesthetic appeal and a delightful auditory experience are important to you, then the Jerrzi Seashell switch might be the way to go. Known for its stunning purple color and clacky, high-pitched sound profile, it offers a fun and engaging typing experience. The light and feathery feel of the Seashell enhances comfort during long typing sessions, appealing to gamers or writers who often type for extended periods. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer smoothness and subtlety (HMX Gravel) or an exciting, audio-visual delight (Jerrzi Seashell) in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Gravel Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Seashell Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more