HMX Jelly vs. Jerrzi Seashell

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the HMX Jelly and the Jerrzi Seashell offer unique experiences that cater to diverse typing preferences. The HMX Jelly stands out with its low-pitched, deep thocky sound, providing a smooth and tactile feedback thanks to its advanced factory lubrication and a lightweight actuation force of just 42g. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a more muted auditory experience paired with effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell dazzles with its eye-catching purple hue, not only offering a polished aesthetic but also delivering a light and clacky feel that enhances the joy of typing for extended periods. Its combination of a high-pitched sound and feathery touch makes it particularly appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate a lively and responsive switch. Both switches excel in their own right, catering to distinct tastes and styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

Jerrzi Seashell Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and the Jerrzi Seashell demonstrate contrasting sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials. The Jelly utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is primarily because nylon is a softer plastic that effectively absorbs sound vibrations, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the Seashell employs a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows sound to resonate more clearly. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the switch's appeal, especially for users incorporating RGB lighting, making the Seashell particularly vibrant in illuminated settings.

When analyzing the bottom housing materials, both the HMX Jelly and Jerrzi Seashell opt for nylon. This consistency means that while the top and bottom housings contribute different qualities to the overall sound experience, the Jelly and Seashell share a common auditory characteristic in the depth and fullness of sound produced when the key is fully pressed down. The nylon bottom housing serves a significant role in impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, ensuring that both switches deliver a similar sound profile in that respect. The absorbent nature of nylon creates a consistent and pleasant feedback during key presses, regardless of the differing top housing materials.

In terms of overall performance, the combination of the Jelly's nylon top with its own nylon bottom housing results in a more uniform sound experience, while the Seashell's polycarbonate top creates a dynamic contrast with its nylon base. This means that while each switch delivers a unique auditory experience, both mechanisms ultimately benefit from the characteristics of nylon in their bottom housings, maintaining a cohesive depth regardless of the top materials. This blending of properties between the two housing types allows for flexible customization depending on user preferences, whether for a full-bodied acoustic profile or a sharper, more resonant sound.

Weight

The HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offer distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Jelly switch features a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a great option for users who favor a lighter, more nimble feel that supports extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Seashell switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams; however, its bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of data prevents a direct comparison of how it feels when fully pressed down. Consequently, while the Jelly is definitively the lighter option with a clear specification for both actuation and bottom out forces, the Seashell switch might appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance, though the absence of the bottom out metric leaves some uncertainty about its overall tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we see a noticeable difference. The Jelly switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Seashell switch, with a travel distance of 3.4 mm, is shorter. This difference means that the Jelly switch may provide a more pronounced key press experience, which some users might prefer for a satisfying tactile feel. In contrast, the Seashell's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding depth and responsiveness; those valuing a deeper press might favor the Jelly, whereas those prioritizing quickness could lean towards the Seashell.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature, creating a rich acoustic experience that some users find satisfying and pleasant when typing or gaming. This sound profile tends to feel more textured and grounded, which can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for those who prefer a more muted auditory feedback. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch offers a clacky, high-pitched sound that is sharp and snappy, producing a bright and percussive auditory feedback with each keystroke. While the Jelly's deep sound may be more understated, the Seashell’s clackiness could be perceived as more vibrant and lively. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on whether one prefers a more subdued thock or an energetic clack, keeping in mind that other factors like the keyboard build and keycap materials will also influence the overall sound experience.

Regarding feel, the HMX Jelly switch is noted for its super smooth operation, which can be attributed to excellent factory lubrication. It features a lightweight actuation force of 42g, making it pleasant for fast typists but not overly taxing on the fingers. The overall painless key travel emphasizes responsiveness, allowing for an effortless typing experience. Conversely, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, which similarly requires minimal force to activate keys, ultimately enhancing comfort and reducing finger fatigue over extended sessions. The switch's polished feel adds to the smoothness, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys. Both switches promote a comfortable typing experience, though the Seashell’s feather-light nature might appeal more to those prioritizing minimal effort with each keystroke.

Considering all available information, the HMX Jelly and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Jelly excels with its deep sound and smooth typing experience, appealing to users who cherish a subtle auditory feedback. The Seashell, with its clacky nature and feather-light touch, attracts those who enjoy a bright sound and effortless key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages and pleasant experiences, and choosing between them would largely depend on individual preferences regarding sound and typing comfort. Whether you gravitate towards the Jelly's thock or the Seashell's clack, rest assured that both can deliver enjoyable results tailored to your typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter activation with a tactile response that delivers a deep, thocky sound and an exceptionally smooth experience, the HMX Jelly switch is ideal for you. Its low actuation force of 42 grams combines with a satisfying sound profile, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and ease are paramount. On the other hand, if you appreciate both aesthetics and a more lively typing experience, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is likely your best bet. It captivates with its vibrant purple hue and delivers a clacky, high-pitched sound that adds character to your keystrokes. Additionally, its feathery feel and easy-to-press nature make it suitable for those who want minimal finger fatigue during lengthy gaming or typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspects of sound, feel, and visual appeal matter most to you, and let that guide your choice between these two fantastic linear switch options.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Seashell Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more