Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly impact your typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are celebrated for their refined tactile feedback, offering a medium-strength bump that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, ideal for both gamers and typists who appreciate a tactile sensation. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switches shine with their captivating purple hue and unique clacky sound profile, providing a light and feathery feel that many users find enjoyable during long typing sessions. While the MX Purple RGB is favored for its tactile experience that enhances typing precision, the Seashell switches allure with their aesthetic appeal and enjoyable auditory feedback. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jerrzi Seashell, notable differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, celebrated for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is in sharp contrast to the Jerrzi Seashell, which utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer and yields a clearer, sharper sound. The nylon’s softer characteristics contribute to a more muted acoustic output, producing a duller and rounder sound signature, whereas the polycarbonate features enhance the resonance, creating a more vibrant auditory experience. This fundamental difference in acoustic properties suggests distinct typing experiences when engaging with these switches, particularly in scenarios where sound feedback is a critical consideration.
However, a point of similarity can be found in both switches' bottom housing, as both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Jerrzi Seashell feature nylon materials. This consistency means that when typing on either switch, users will experience a similar deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing due to nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities. The impact of the bottom housing on the typing experience is crucial, as it influences not only the bottom-out sound but also contributes to the overall tactile feel of each keypress. Regardless of the differences in the top housing, the nylon bottom in both switches ensures that the deeper sound properties remain intact, fostering a consistent typing experience.
In summary, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Jerrzi Seashell highlight a comparative analysis of sound profiles dictated by their distinct top housing materials, making the typing experience unique to each. The Cherry MX gains a muted acoustic profile from its nylon top housing, while the Seashell benefits from the crispness of polycarbonate. Nonetheless, the shared nylon material in both switches' bottom housings offers a commonality that ensures an overall deeper sound experience remains consistent. Thus, while users may appreciate the distinctive characteristics of each switch, the nylon bottom housing ensures that some auditory and tactile qualities unify the experience across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch to the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience a similar keystroke trigger for both. However, the bottom out force for both switches is listed as unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare their resistance when fully pressed down. This could imply that both switches may offer a comparable experience in terms of bottoming out, but without specific values, we cannot definitively conclude this. In terms of weight, since both switches share the same actuation force, neither is definitively lighter or heavier than the other. Consequently, users looking for a balance between comfort for extended typing sessions and a substantial feel will find both options equally viable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard, providing a deeper key press that many users appreciate for its tactile feedback. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who favor quicker response times often preferred by gamers. This shorter distance can feel more abrupt to some, yet effective for fast-paced gaming scenarios. Thus, if you prioritize a deeper, more satisfying key press, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the better choice. If responsiveness is your main criterion, then the Jerrzi Seashell, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel, would be more suitable. Overall, while these switches serve different preferences in key feel, the distinction in travel distance underscores the varying experiences they offer to users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a refined acoustic experience generally resonating with a medium-strength tactile bump. However, the specific description of their sound quality is not detailed, leaving some elements open to interpretation based on user experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switches are characterized as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This crisp auditory feedback is perfect for those who appreciate a more lively typing experience. However, it’s essential to remember that a switch's overall sound can also be influenced by various factors like the keyboard's construction and the types of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are known for their meticulously crafted tactile experience, specifically designed for enthusiasts; however, detailed descriptors of their specific tactile feel are lacking. On the other hand, the Seashell switches shine with descriptors such as feathery and easy-to-press, providing an exceptionally light touch that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use. Their polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and enhancing overall responsiveness. This makes the Seashell switches particularly well-suited for users who seek comfort and ease during long typing sessions.
In summary, while both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Jerrzi Seashell switches promise a delightful typing experience, they cater to slightly different preferences. The MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile pleasure that may resonate with enthusiasts seeking medium strength feedback, whereas the Seashell switches excel in their light and clacky nature, prioritizing comfort and ease of use. Depending on individual needs—whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a lighter touch—you can achieve enjoyable results with either switch, while being mindful of the various external factors that influence sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experience expectations. If you seek a switch that provides a refined tactile feedback with a medium-strength bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may be your best bet. Its design, influenced by keyboard enthusiasts, offers a unique tactile experience that is particularly satisfying for typists and gamers who appreciate clear actuation points without being overly noisy. On the other hand, if you value aesthetics along with a light and clacky feel, the Jerrzi Seashell switch stands out with its striking purple color and the inviting sound profile. The Seashell is designed for prolonged comfort, requiring minimal force to press, which minimizes finger fatigue during extensive typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, its clacky sound is bright and percussive, making it a joyful auditory experience for those who enjoy a lively typing atmosphere. Ultimately, you should choose the MX Purple RGB if you prioritize tactile feedback and a balanced sound, and opt for the Seashell if you prefer a lightweight, easy-to-press feel combined with a visually appealing design.
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