Gateron Mars vs. Jerrzi Seashell

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Mars and Jerrzi Seashell offer distinctive experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Mars switches are celebrated for their innovative design, featuring a POK stem coupled with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, which not only enhances durability but also delivers a smooth and consistent keystroke for those who prefer a clean, linear feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switches boast a striking purple aesthetic while providing a light and clacky typing experience, making them both visually appealing and enjoyable for extensive typing sessions. While the Mars appeals to users seeking reliability and a minimalistic touch, the Seashell invites enthusiasts who appreciate both tactile feedback and vibrant aesthetics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Mars Linear

Jerrzi Seashell Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Mars and Jerrzi Seashell switches represent two distinct approaches to housing materials that profoundly influence their auditory and tactile characteristics. The Mars features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely attributable to nylon’s softer nature, which helps absorb sound and create a duller acoustic experience. In contrast, the Seashell utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances sonic clarity and resonance, allowing the sound waves to travel more freely. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it especially desirable for users who wish to showcase RGB lighting, as the light diffusion enhances the visual appeal while contributing to the switch's overall performance.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Mars employs a POM material while the Seashell incorporates nylon. POM is recognized for its capacity to produce a pleasing, muted sound profile, which contrasts with the fuller auditory experience offered by nylon in the Seashell’s bottom housing. While both switches ultimately provide a deeper sound, the characteristics of the materials play a significant role in how that sound is experienced. The bottom housing inherently impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that while the Mars may deliver a muted sound, the Seashell’s nylon can often produce a smoother, rounder sensation beneath the fingers, enhancing tactile feedback.

In essence, despite their differing top and bottom housing materials, both the Mars and Seashell switches can create gratifying typing experiences by balancing their unique acoustic properties. The Mars achieves its softer sound primarily through its nylon top and POM bottom housing combination, while the Seashell maintains a deeper acoustic profile due to the synergy between its nylon bottom and polycarbonate top. When pressed, each switch exhibits its distinct qualities, resulting in nuanced sound and feel experiences—highlighting how material choice can lead to diverse, yet complementary outcomes in the realm of mechanical switches.

Weight

Both the Gateron Mars and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switches share an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable typing effort and responsiveness with both switches. However, information regarding their bottom out forces is currently unavailable for both switches, preventing a direct comparison in that regard. Since neither switch can be classified as heavier or lighter based on the bottom out force, users may find the typing experience to be quite similar in terms of keystroke activation. For those who prefer a light touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the equal actuation force of 45 grams in both switches may be advantageous, while those seeking a more robust feel in their keystrokes may need to consider alternatives or await further details on the bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Gateron Mars features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Seashell the shorter option, offering a slightly more responsive feel that gamers often prefer for quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Mars, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who appreciate a deeper keystroke, making it potentially better suited for typists or users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding travel depth versus responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Mars switch presents an unknown quality, leaving much to speculation. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is characterized by its clackiness and high-pitched tones, producing a sharp, snappy sound that many find satisfying. This bright and percussive audio profile adds to the overall tactile experience of typing, making each keystroke feel lively and engaged. However, it's crucial to remember that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard chassis and keycap materials used.

When examining the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mars again presents an unknown quantity, while the Seashell switches are celebrated for their feathery and polished feel. The Seashell's light actuation force allows for effortless key presses, minimizing fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. The gentle resistance and smooth travel offered by these switches enhance comfort significantly, providing a responsive typing experience that caters well to long-duration use. Their polished nature indicates a refined finish that further advances the smoothness of each key press, making the Seashell a joy to type on.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Mars linear switch presents uncertainties in both sound and feel, the Jerrzi Seashell switch excels with its vibrant auditory feedback and lightweight, polished typing experience. If you value a lively sound and a low-effort feel, the Seashell may be the ideal choice for you. However, depending on your specific preferences for sound and tactile response, testing out the Mars may yield similar enjoyable results. For those prioritizing aesthetic appeal alongside functionality, the Seashell certainly stands out with its captivating design and performance traits.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, your decision will ultimately depend on your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics. If you value a polished and smooth typing experience alongside innovative design, the Gateron Mars may be the right choice for you. Although specific details on its sound and feel are not provided, Gateron switches are generally known for their reliability and consistent performance. Conversely, if you're drawn to visually striking components and a typing experience that prioritizes comfort and minimal finger fatigue, the Jerrzi Seashell should be your go-to option. With its feathery and easy-to-press characteristics, combined with their clacky, high-pitched sound, Seashell switches are ideal for users who appreciate a lively auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing habits and aesthetic preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Mars Linear

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Seashell Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more