Durock Koala vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Seashell offer unique experiences for users. The Koala is praised for its perfect balance of tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump without being overwhelming. It is described as polished, low-pitched, and accented, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced keystroke without excessive noise. On the other hand, the Seashell stands out with its eye-catching purple color and smooth linear actuation. Known for being light, clacky, and easy to press, this switch offers a comfortable typing experience that remains enjoyable even during long typing sessions. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Seashell feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. Despite using the same housing material for the top, the Koala and Seashell may still provide slightly different sound profiles based on the overall design of the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Koala and the Seashell use nylon, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. The bottom housing material can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of a switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel experienced when pressing down on a key. Despite using the same bottom housing material, the Koala and Seashell may still exhibit subtle differences in sound due to other design factors.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Durock Koala and the Jerrzi Seashell are similar in terms of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, slight variations in design and construction may result in subtle differences in sound profile between the two switches. Both switches offer unique advantages based on the characteristics of their housing materials, with the polycarbonate top housing providing a crisper sound and the nylon bottom housing producing a fuller sound. Whether using the Koala or the Seashell, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with distinct acoustic properties.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Koala tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is evident that the Koala has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it heavier in comparison to the Seashell, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force of the Koala is not specified while the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown. The Koala provides a medium-heavy typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Seashell offers a lighter actuation force for a more sensitive keystroke. Choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences, with some favoring the lighter actuation force of the Seashell for extended typing sessions and others opting for the heavier bottom out force of the Koala for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal typing style and preference.
Travel distance
The Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Seashell the shorter of the two switches. The difference in travel distance between the two switches may not seem significant, but it can actually have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The Koala with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who enjoy a deeper actuation, while the Seashell with its shorter travel distance may appeal to individuals looking for a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are seeking.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Durock Koala offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp tone that adds a tactile feedback to each keystroke. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound, with the Koala offering a more subdued tone while the Seashell provides a more pronounced and lively sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Koala switch is characterized by a polished, accented, stepped, and stiff feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a noticeable bump at the midpoint of the keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force for activation and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether one prefers a more pronounced tactile feedback or a lighter actuation force.
Overall, the Durock Koala and Jerrzi Seashell switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Koala provides a moderate sound profile with a polished and stepped tactile feel, the Seashell offers a clacky sound with a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience. Choosing between the two switches would involve considering factors such as preferred sound profile, typing feel, and overall typing comfort. If one enjoys a more tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, the Koala would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if a lighter actuation force and a livelier sound profile are preferred, the Seashell switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Koala tactile switch or the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force with a pronounced bump in your keystrokes, the Koala switch would be a great choice for you. The Koala offers a polished and accented feel with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no bottom out force that is light and clacky, the Seashell switch might be more suitable for you. The Seashell switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, delivering a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience over long sessions. Ultimately, it is important to consider your typing preferences and needs when selecting between these two switches.
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