Durock Piano vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Seashell mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Piano stands out for its smooth and creamy typing experience, characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, bassy sound signature. On the other hand, the Seashell switch draws attention with its vibrant purple hue and light, clacky typing sensation that is both easy to press and polished. While the Piano excels in providing a frictionless and silky typing experience, the Seashell switch offers a more feathery and high-pitched feel. 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
63.5g
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
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Seashell both feature unique housing materials for their switches. The Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing, which results in a deep and satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the Seashell utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in housing materials contributes to the overall sound experience of each switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Seashell's housing allows for a more translucent appearance, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Piano's POM blend housing does not offer the same level of translucency. This distinction in materials also affects the sound produced by each switch - the stiffer polycarbonate in the Seashell's top housing leads to a higher-pitched sound, while the softer nylon in the Seashell's bottom housing creates a rounder sound. Overall, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and visual appeal of each switch.
While the Piano and Seashell switches have different housing materials, they both aim to create a unique and satisfying typing experience. The use of proprietary blends for the top housing in the Piano and the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Seashell demonstrate the attention to detail that goes into designing high-quality switches. Whether it's the deep and resonant sound of the Piano or the sharp and clear sound of the Seashell, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that is enhanced by their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
Weight
The Durock Piano linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the actuation force is not specified. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams with an unknown bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Piano switch is heavier due to its bottom out force, while the Seashell switch is lighter with its actuation force. Those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Seashell for longer typing sessions, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Piano switch. Overall, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces of switches is essential for users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Piano has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Seashell, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Seashell offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers and individuals looking for a quicker response time. Both switches provide a good range of travel distance options, with the Piano being on the longer side and the Seashell on the shorter side. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 Piano linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch produces a sharp and snappy clacky sound when pressed, described as crisp, bright, and percussive with a high-pitched tone. Depending on personal preference, the Piano switch provides a smoother and deeper sound experience, while the Seashell switch delivers a more sharp and vibrant sound.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky typing experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance or friction. Conversely, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, requiring little exertion from the fingers and offering gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions such as gaming or work. Additionally, the Seashell switch boasts a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction.
Overall, while both the Durock Piano and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches offer an enjoyable typing experience, they each cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Piano switch provides a deep and creamy sound signature with a frictionless and silky typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a smoother sound profile and effortless key press. On the other hand, the Seashell switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, catering to individuals who enjoy a sharper and more vibrant sound experience with light key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual taste and typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a visually stunning switch with a light and clacky feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, the Jerrzi Seashell could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and aesthetic preferences.
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