Gateron Melodic vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, you'll find two distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Melodic from Gateron boasts a buttery smoothness and invigorating crunchy sound, thanks to advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the Seashell switch stands out with its beautiful purple hue and light, clacky feel that offers a high-pitched and polished typing experience. While the Melodic excels in providing a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Seashell offers a comfortable and easy-to-press typing experience that remains delightful over extended use. 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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Jerrzi Seashell, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound and aesthetic experience when it comes to their top housings.
However, when looking at the bottom housings, the Melodic uses nylon while the Seashell also utilizes nylon. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel due to their nylon bottom housings.
Overall, the differences in the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Jerrzi Seashell mainly lie in the top and bottom housings. While both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the Melodic features a nylon bottom housing, while the Seashell also includes a nylon bottom housing. This means that the typing experience and sound profile of the switches will be similar due to the shared use of nylon in the bottom housings. However, the impact of the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel of the switches may vary slightly.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is evident that they have different characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance, while its actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Seashell switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, but its bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Seashell switch would be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Melodic switch would be better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we can see that the Melodic has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Seashell has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Melodic's travel distance is longer than the Seashell's, making it the longer option in this case. The Melodic's 4 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper keystroke feel, while the Seashell's 3.4 mm travel distance is on the shallow side, offering a quicker response time for gaming. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Seashell would be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more traditional keystroke feel, then the Melodic would be the right option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and keystroke feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, featuring a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. Both switches offer delightful sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Melodic being more resonant and crunchy, while the Seashell leans towards being clacky and high-pitched.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Seashell switch also boasts a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing experience.
Considering all the information available, both the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy typing experience with pronounced feedback, the Melodic switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel for reduced finger fatigue, the Seashell switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider the following guidelines: Choose the Gateron Melodic if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant or crunchy sound profile with a buttery or invigorating feel. The Melodic switch offers a classic clicky sound with smoothness and tactile feedback. On the other hand, opt for the Jerrzi Seashell if you want a switch with no bottom out force specified and appreciate a clacky or high-pitched sound profile with a feathery, easy-to-press, or polished feel. The Seashell switch features a stunning purple hue and offers a light and clacky typing experience that remains comfortable over long sessions. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force.
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