Kailh NovelKeys Cream vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jerrzi Seashell are two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The NovelKeys Cream is renowned for its heftier linear feel, providing a deep sound profile that adds a sense of richness to typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell stands out with its stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel that makes typing a joyful experience. While the Cream switch is characterized by its 'buttery' and 'low-pitched' attributes, the Seashell switch is described as 'clacky' and 'feathery'. Both switches have their own distinct qualities that appeal to different preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream and the Jerrzi Seashell switches offer different sound profiles due to the use of POM and polycarbonate materials. The POM top housing of the NovelKeys Cream creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Seashell switch produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the NovelKeys Cream utilizes POM, while the Jerrzi Seashell features nylon. The POM bottom housing of the Cream switch contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Seashell switch elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone. This difference in material affects the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the sound and feel of the switches, it's important to note that each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. While the NovelKeys Cream and Jerrzi Seashell switches may differ in their housing materials, both provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch with 45 grams, making the Seashell lighter in this aspect. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cream requires 70 grams, while the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown. The Cream switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Seashell switch's lighter actuation force may appeal to users who value a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and pressure required.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Cream switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press feeling. On the other hand, the Seashell switch provides a shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Cream being slightly longer than the Seashell. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 NovelKeys Cream switch offers a low-pitched and resonant typing experience, providing a deep and immersive auditory profile. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, delivering a sharp and percussive typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream switch leaning towards a deep and mellow tone and the Seashell switch offering a bright and crisp sound.
In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating, providing a smooth, seamless typing sensation with noticeable feedback and moderate actuation force. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is characterized as feathery, easy-to-press, and polished, offering a light and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a sleek finish. Each switch delivers a distinct typing feel, with the Cream switch emphasizing feedback and actuation force while the Seashell switch focuses on comfort and ease of typing.
Overall, the NovelKeys Cream switch and the Jerrzi Seashell switch offer different but enjoyable typing experiences, with the Cream switch providing a deep and resonant sound profile along with a buttery and invigorating key feel, and the Seashell switch offering a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a feathery and easy-to-press typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches can cater to a range of typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch or the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, you should first determine your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel, the NovelKeys Cream with its 70-gram bottom out force would be a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, non-specified bottom out force, the Jerrzi Seashell could be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a deeper, low-pitched and resonant sound profile, the NovelKeys Cream may be more to your liking. However, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Seashell could be the better option. Finally, when it comes to feel, if you enjoy a buttery, textured, and invigorating typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream would be a good fit. But if you prefer a feathery, easy-to-press, and polished feel, the Jerrzi Seashell may be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
