Kailh Plum vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Plum stands out for its hefty feel without a pronounced tactile bump, providing a truly unique sensation compared to other tactile switches. On the other hand, the Seashell switch captivates with its stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel, making typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable. While both switches offer their own distinct advantages, such as the neutral sound profile of the Plum and the aesthetic beauty of the Seashell, it's important to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Plum and Jerrzi Seashell keyboards feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both keyboards share this housing material for the top, the differences lie in the bottom housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Plum and Seashell keyboards utilize nylon, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
Overall, while both the Kailh Plum and Jerrzi Seashell keyboards have similar polycarbonate top housings that produce sharp and clear sound profiles, the difference in nylon bottom housings may create variations in sound and feel when typing. The choice between these two keyboards may come down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile desired, with the Plum offering a crisper sound and the Seashell offering a fuller sound experience. Ultimately, both keyboards offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with options to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Plum has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch, while its actuation force is not specified. On the other hand, the Seashell has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a lighter touch needed to trigger a keystroke, but its bottom out force is unknown. When considering weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Seashell for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Plum for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Plum has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Seashell. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to everyone, and both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for the specific feel and depth of key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral profile, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and snappy sound that may appeal to those who enjoy a more crisp and bright typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Plum switch is noted for its mild and stepped characteristics, offering a gentle typing experience with a unique weightiness and tactile feedback that falls into a middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, providing a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Seashell switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Plum switch provides a neutral sound profile and a tactile typing experience with a unique weightiness, the Seashell switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery and easy-to-press feel that reduces finger fatigue. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can provide an enjoyable experience for different types of keyboard enthusiasts. If you enjoy a more moderate and tactile typing experience, the Plum switch may be more suitable, while the Seashell switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing feel with a crisp sound profile. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a unique tactile feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Plum switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and clacky switch with no bottom out force distinction, along with a stunning purple color and a feathery, easy-to-press feel, then the Seashell switch would be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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