HMX Macchiato vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the HMX Macchiato and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Macchiato and the Jerrzi Seashell present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The HMX Macchiato, crafted by YG Studio, is renowned for delivering a silky smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who value a tactile yet quiet environment. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell stands out not only for its stunning purple hue but also for its light and clacky feel, providing an enjoyable typing experience that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. With its polished design and high-pitched feedback, the Seashell is perfect for those who seek both style and a dynamic typing sensation. While both switches cater to different preferences—smoothness versus clackiness—they each offer unique advantages for users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The HMX Macchiato and the Jerrzi Seashell present contrasting approaches to sound and tactile feedback through their choice of housing materials. The Macchiato distinguishes itself with a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and more rounded sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, yielding a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Seashell utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, fostering a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is noticeably crisper. This contrast in materials significantly influences the overall typing experience; while the Macchiato caters to those seeking a fuller sound, the Seashell appeals to users who prefer a more vibrant auditory response.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Macchiato and Seashell employ nylon, creating a shared characteristic in how they feel and sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures that the experience of bottoming out is consistent: users can expect a deeper and fuller sound and feel from the Macchiato during key presses, while the Seashell maintains this quality as well, given its similar nylon composition. Thus, regardless of the differing top housing materials, both switches maintain a unified sound experience at the bottom due to their nylon bottoms, potentially balancing the distinct auditory profiles introduced by their respective top housings.
In summary, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the HMX Macchiato and Jerrzi Seashell illustrates a nuanced approach to crafting a keyboard's sound profile. While the Macchiato’s nylon top offers a warmer, more subdued auditory characteristic, the Seashell’s polycarbonate top delivers a bright and clear sound. However, both switches find common ground with nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring that the essential properties of sound absorption and tactile feedback remain consistent, despite the differences brought about by their distinct top materials. Ultimately, users choosing between these two switches will experience unique auditory profiles from their respective tops while enjoying a familiar bottom-out experience thanks to the shared nylon composition.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, the differences in actuation forces are worth noting. The Macchiato features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less effort to register each keystroke. Conversely, the Seashell has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more robust typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Seashell is currently unavailable, making it difficult to fully assess its performance compared to the Macchiato, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, while users of the Macchiato can expect a consistent light feel throughout the keystroke, the overall experience with the Seashell remains uncertain. In terms of weight preference, those who favor a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Macchiato, while those desiring a heavier action would find the Seashell more suitable, assuming an unknown bottom out force is satisfactory to them.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Macchiato features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with traditional switch preferences that offer a deeper and more deliberate feel. In contrast, the Seashell has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, appealing to those who favor a snappier response, often preferred by gamers for quicker actuation. This variance indicates that the Macchiato provides a more robust typing experience, while the Seashell offers a faster, more responsive touch. For individuals who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses, the Macchiato would be the better choice, whereas those who prioritize speed might lean towards the Seashell.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Macchiato has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Macchiato for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Macchiato linear switch is characterized by a bright, clear sound that appeals to those who enjoy an auditory feedback during their typing experience. Conversely, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is known for producing a distinct clacky sound that is sharp and snappy. This results in a more percussive auditory experience, with high-pitched tones that deliver a crisp and lively typing ambiance. While both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, the Seashell's sound is particularly marked by its clackiness, which may be more pronounced than the seemingly smoother sound of the Macchiato, although the final sound often depends on the keyboard construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Macchiato provides a silky smooth typing experience that is likely to be both pleasant and refined, offering minimal resistance during key presses. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is exceptionally light and easy to press, making it ideal for those who wish to reduce finger fatigue. Its features, including a feathery touch and polished finish, contribute to a low-impact typing experience that is still responsive. While both switches emphasize comfort, the Seashell's focus on lightness and ease of actuation may offer a different kind of tactile enjoyment compared to the smoothness of the Macchiato.
In summary, while the HMX Macchiato linear switch shines with its smooth typing experience and bright sound, the Jerrzi Seashell excels with its clacky auditory feedback and lightweight, comfortable feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that enthusiasts can find a switch that resonates with their aesthetic and functional needs. If you prefer a more pronounced auditory experience, the Seashell may be your pick, while those after a silky touch might gravitate towards the Macchiato. Ultimately, the choice hinges on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Macchiato linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider what aspects of typing and sound matter most to you. If you desire a silky smooth typing experience complemented by a bright sound profile, the HMX Macchiato is an excellent choice. With its light actuation force of 50 grams, it allows for effortless key presses, making it a good fit for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where reduced finger fatigue is crucial. On the other hand, if aesthetics and a more pronounced auditory feedback are higher on your preference list, the Jerrzi Seashell shines with its captivating purple hue and clacky, high-pitched sound. This switch not only provides a feathery and responsive feel but also makes typing fun and engaging, especially for those who enjoy a more tactile and audible interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, your decision will boil down to whether you prioritize a refined, smooth experience with the Macchiato or the delightful clackiness and visual appeal offered by the Seashell.
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