Durock Mamba vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself drawn to the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Seashell, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Mamba offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich auditory experience, while the Seashell captivates with a stunning purple hue and a light, clacky typing experience. The Mamba is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Thocky', while the Seashell is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Feathery', and 'Easy-to-press'. Each switch has its own appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Seashell both contribute to the overall sound profiles of the switches, but they differ in their characteristics. The Mamba's top housing made of a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend provides a pleasant and bright sound profile, while the Seashell's polycarbonate top housing gives a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the unique blend in the Mamba offers a more balanced sound experience. Both materials bring their own qualities to the table, with the Mamba leaning towards a softer and brighter sound, while the Seashell provides a stiffer and higher-pitched sound.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Mamba and the Seashell also play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of the switches. The Mamba's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and muted sound, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Seashell's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This difference in material composition affects the overall typing feel and sound feedback of the switches. Despite their differences, both the Mamba and Seashell boast top and bottom housings that complement each other to create a harmonious typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Seashell bring distinct characteristics to the switches, they ultimately work together to provide an enjoyable typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance in sound and feel when typing on the switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a well-rounded typing experience that combines the unique qualities of each housing material to deliver satisfying sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance when fully pressed down, while the actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Mamba. However, the bottom out force for the Seashell is unknown, leaving uncertainty about the level of resistance when fully pressed. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Seashell for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the more substantial typing experience provided by the heavier bottom out force of the Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, as it would likely result in similar typing experiences. However, if one were to prioritize the shortest travel distance possible, the Seashell would be the better option by just a hair. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of the typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Mamba linear switch offers a neutral typing experience with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes. The sound produced is described as thocky, giving off a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch provides a clacky typing sound that is sharp, crisp, and percussive. It is also noted for having a high-pitched sound profile, which adds a bright and sharp element to the typing experience. Both switches deliver unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Mamba offering a more neutral and thocky sound while the Seashell provides a clacky and high-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as offering a mild typing experience that falls within a safe and middle-ground zone. The switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is characterized as feathery, exceptionally light to press with little exertion required from the fingers. It is easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Seashell switch is also polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness in key travel. Both switches offer comfortable typing experiences but cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force and typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Durock Mamba and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mamba switch presents a neutral and thocky sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel, suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. On the other hand, the Seashell switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, catering to those who prefer a lighter actuation force and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. It is important to consider these factors carefully to ensure a satisfying typing experience based on personal preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a neutral or thocky sound profile with a mild and polished feel, the Durock Mamba may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a switch with an unknown bottom out force that offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, paired with a feathery and easy-to-press feel that is also polished, the Jerrzi Seashell could be the perfect fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences, so it's important to choose based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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