Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Seashell, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The Jupiter Red is renowned for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, ideal for those looking for a medium-heavy actuation and a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Seashell switch captures attention with its vibrant purple hue and offers a light and clacky typing experience that is both enjoyable and comfortable for long periods. While the Jupiter Red is praised for its polished and silky feel, the Seashell switch is known for its feathery and high-pitched keystrokes. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Seashell share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, both aiming to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness also contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. This similarity in housing material means that both the Jupiter Red and the Seashell will likely offer similar sound profiles and overall performance when it comes to keypresses and typing experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Jupiter Red opts for a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, offering similar benefits in sound profile and typing experience as the Jupiter Red. This shared choice of material for the bottom housing further reinforces the idea that the two switches will provide comparable typing experiences and sound profiles.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Jerrzi Seashell highlights a balanced approach to creating a satisfying typing experience. While the materials differ in their specific properties, such as stiffness and sound absorption, the end result is likely to be a harmonious blend of sharp, clear sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housing. This balance of materials ensures that users will enjoy a well-rounded typing experience with both switches, with each material contributing to the overall sound and feel of the keypresses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it can be seen that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Gateron Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the bottom out force of the Jerrzi Seashell is unknown. In terms of weight, the Jupiter Red is considered to be on the lighter side with its medium bottom out force, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Seashell's heavier bottom out force, if known, would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, while both switches share a similar actuation force, the bottom out forces provide a key distinction between the two in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Jupiter Red offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Seashell. The difference may not be significant for some users, but those who prefer a bit of extra depth when pressing down on a key might lean towards the Jupiter Red. On the other hand, the Seashell's shorter travel distance could attract users looking for a more responsive and quick typing experience, which is often favored by gamers. Both switches offer a different feel and response based on their travel distances, so users can choose according to their preferences for typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, adding a unique auditory experience to typing sessions. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Red being more versatile and the Seashell delivering a vibrant and engaging typing sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch provides a polished, creamy, silky, and mild typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction for a refined typing feel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press sensation, requiring minimal force to activate keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, with the Jupiter Red focusing on smoothness and refinement, while the Seashell prioritizes light actuation and ease of use.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table. While the Jupiter Red excels in providing a versatile and seamless typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Jerrzi Seashell stands out for its stunning aesthetic, clacky sound, and feathery feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing habits, users can choose between these switches to achieve a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent qualities that can enhance any keyboard setup, providing users with a range of options to suit their individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you value a medium actuation force and a smooth, consistent typing experience with softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light and clacky typing experience with a stunning purple hue, the Seashell switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type away on your mechanical keyboard.
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