Durock Light Tactile vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell mechanical keyboard switches, we encounter two distinct options with unique qualities. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a smooth and pleasant typing experience that is a departure from sharper tactile switches available in the market. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switches boast a striking purple hue and offer a light and clacky typing experience that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. While the Light Tactile switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Seashell switch is described as 'Clacky', 'Feathery', 'Easy-to-press', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own strengths and reasons why you may want to choose them depending on your preferences. 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
52g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Seashell's nylon bottom housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Despite both switches having a polycarbonate top housing, the Durock Light Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell differ in their bottom housing materials. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Seashell's nylon bottom housing, being softer, creates a duller and rounder sound. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch will be impacted by the qualities of their respective bottom housings.
In terms of performance, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell will depend on personal preference for the type of sound profile and typing experience desired, considering the different qualities brought by their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Light Tactile has 67 grams, which is unknown for the Seashell. In terms of weight, the Light Tactile is heavier overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during long typing sessions or gaming, the Seashell may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, they may lean towards the Light Tactile despite its heavier weight. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Seashell switch. The Light Tactile switch may provide a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which could be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Seashell switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which could be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Seashell switch being on the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, providing a different auditory experience. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the overall sound aesthetic desired for the keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of tactility and smoothness. Conversely, the Seashell linear switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, making it effortless and comfortable to type on for extended periods of time. Both switches have been designed to minimize finger fatigue and enhance the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback and keypress resistance.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides a gentle and jelly-like sound with a mild and polished typing feel, while the Seashell switch delivers a sharp and clacky sound with a feathery and easy-to-press typing sensation. Depending on whether you prefer a more neutral or high-pitched sound and a mild or feathery keypress feel, you can choose between these two switches to achieve the desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance your overall keyboard experience and cater to different preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Jerrzi Seashell switches, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you value a gentle and angelic tactility with a jelly-like sound, opt for the Light Tactile switch. On the other hand, if you are looking for a stunning purple hue with a light and clacky typing experience, the Seashell switch may be more to your liking. Additionally, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing feel, the Light Tactile is the way to go. Conversely, if you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the Seashell switch could be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and typing experience.
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