Akko Rosewood vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Akko Rosewood and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Rosewood and Jerrzi Seashell offer two compelling yet distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a fulfilling typing experience. The Rosewood switch is celebrated for its rich, thocky sound profile, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that provides a satisfying auditory feedback right out of the box. On the other hand, the Seashell switch stands out not only for its appealing purple aesthetic but also for its light and clacky action, delivering a delightful combination of comfort and responsiveness even during extended usage. While both switches are linear in nature, catering to those who prefer smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps, their unique characteristics—one favoring a deep sound and the other showcasing a polished, vibrant feel—provide different avenues for personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Akko Rosewood and the Jerrzi Seashell, distinct differences in sound profile arise due to their respective top housings. The Rosewood features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Seashell utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. Characterized by its rigidity, polycarbonate generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucence of polycarbonate makes it visually appealing, especially in conjunction with RGB lighting, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing, enhancing the aesthetic experience for users.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a similar auditory experience when typing. This commonality provides the Rosewood and Seashell with a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound effectively. Consequently, while the two switches offer different auditory sensations in their top housings, the bottom housing remains consistent in delivering a muted and rounded sound. Therefore, when comparing both switches, it becomes evident that the interplay of top and bottom housing materials creates unique sound profiles influenced heavily by their composition.
In summary, the Akko Rosewood and Jerrzi Seashell embody contrasting properties in their top housing materials—nylon for the Rosewood providing depth and warmth, while polycarbonate for the Seashell delivers clarity and brightness. However, the shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes their sound experience, resulting in a blended typing sensation that enriches the overall usability of both switches. This combination illustrates how different materials can yield distinctive audio characteristics while simultaneously contributing to a unified feel that users can appreciate in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, a notable difference emerges in their actuation forces. The Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Seashell requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which can provide a more substantial feel for those who enjoy a firmer push while typing. However, the bottom out force of the Seashell switch is not specified, making it difficult to compare this aspect directly with the Rosewood's bottom out force of 50 grams. This uncertainty means that while both switches provide a different actuation force experience, the overall typing and gaming feedback may vary significantly, especially since the SeaShell's bottom out characteristics remain unknown. Overall, the Rosewood is the lighter option, while the Seashell leans towards a weightier feel due to its greater actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Rosewood features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional depth preferred by many users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Seashell switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, catering to those who might prioritize quicker response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, if you opt for the Seashell, you’ll benefit from a quicker actuation but may find the experience less robust compared to the deeper Rosewood. Therefore, for those seeking a hearty and deliberate keystroke, the Akko Rosewood is the preferable choice due to its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 Akko Rosewood linear switches deliver a deep, satisfying thock that resonates with a smooth richness, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that adds a layer of refinement right out of the box. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switches produce a distinctively high-pitched and clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and percussive quality that appeals to those who favor a brighter auditory experience. While the Rosewood's lower tones provide a bulkier sonic presence, the Seashell's crispness can create an engaging playfulness, providing different auditory experiences depending on the switch you choose.
In terms of feel, the Rosewood switches bring a polished and smooth typing experience, likely due to good manufacturing practices and the effect of lubrication which ensures minimal friction for users. On the other hand, the Seashell switches are exceptionally feathery and easy to press, requiring little effort to activate, which can significantly reduce finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Their gentle resistance and responsive touch make them ideal for both extensive typing and gaming, enhancing comfort over time. The polished nature of the Rosewood's operation might provide a slightly different tactile experience compared to the effortless activation of the Seashells, but both aim to deliver enjoyable interactions.
In summary, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch excels in offering a rich and thocky sound with a polished feel, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch provides a lively, clacky sound coupled with a super lightweight and feathery feel. Both are designed to cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, ensuring that either choice will enhance your typing experience. The decision ultimately rests on whether you gravitate toward a richer auditory experience or a lighter touch, but both switches aim to deliver satisfying and pleasurable keyboard interactions.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch depends heavily on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a light actuation force and a unique, satisfying sound profile, the Rosewood is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a gentle response, complemented by a deep, thocky sound that many enthusiasts find irresistible. This makes it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, where comfort and auditory feedback can enhance your experience. Conversely, if you prioritize aesthetic appeal alongside functionality and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Seashell switch may be the better option for you. Its feathery feel ensures effortless key presses, making it ideal for those who type or game for extended periods without wanting to experience finger fatigue. Both switches offer a delightful typing experience, but your ideal choice will hinge on whether you lean more towards sound and tactile satisfaction or a lightweight, visually pleasing option that makes typing feel effortless.
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