Jerrzi Seashell vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Jerrzi Seashell and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g each offer unique advantages catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Seashell switches are celebrated for their stunning purple hue and a light, clacky feel that delivers an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience, making them ideal for lengthy usage. Their polished design appeals to aesthetic-minded enthusiasts while providing high-pitched sound and tactile feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g excels in creating a serene typing environment with its whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, these switches are perfect for those who seek a soft yet satisfying keystroke without disturbing others around them. Both switches offer distinct benefits, catering to different typing preferences, and are worth considering for any keyboard enthusiast. 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
53g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches, a notable divergence in their compositions emerges. The Seashell employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile, arguably making it more suitable for users who appreciate the clarity of sound when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for creating a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer material properties. The result is that Seashell's polycarbonate facilitates a more resonant sound ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances visual appeal. In contrast, the functionality of the Silent Sakura leans towards providing a muted audio experience that resonates with those looking for quieter operation.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Jerrzi Seashell opts for a nylon material, effectively mirroring the characteristics of the Silent Sakura - 53g’s polycarbonate bottom housing. This could create interesting sound dynamics since both switches have similar bottom housing materials that influence the bottom-out sound. In the Seashell, the nylon absorbs sound, creating a softer typing experience that contributes to a more subdued auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura’s polycarbonate bottom housing adds a sharper high end, enhancing clarity at the point of bottoming out. Thus, while each switch brings a distinct tonal quality to the table, their contrasting materials engender a unique sound experience that caters to different user preferences.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials in their respective housings leads to unique auditory responses during typing. When pressed, the qualities of each switch material come into play. The Seashell's nylon bottom housing will produce a fuller sound that is softer compared to the sharper responses from the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing. Therefore, users seeking a particular sound profile may find satisfaction with one over the other based on their typing experience preferences. However, if the ultimate goal is to achieve specific auditory characteristics, it may be possible to achieve a well-rounded typing experience leveraging the switch configurations, as the bottom housing is crucial for bottom-out sound, while the top housing significantly influences the release sound. Thus, although they feature differing materials, both switches can yield similar results when optimized for their intended auditory experiences.
Weight
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches will provide a similar feel in terms of initial keypress activation. This makes them ideal for users who appreciate a lighter push, suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. However, a significant difference lies in the bottom out force: while the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown, the Silent Sakura has a definitive bottom out force of 53 grams. This suggests that the Silent Sakura offers a firmer resistance as you fully depress the key, which some users may prefer for that more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Silent Sakura switch is the heavier option overall due to its higher bottom out force, while the Seashell is comparatively lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for users who prioritize endurance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see a clear difference: the Seashell has a travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Silent Sakura - 53g measures 4 mm. This makes the Seashell the shorter option, catering to those who favor more responsive key presses, which can be beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel while typing, as it provides a more pronounced tactile experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on user preferences, with the Seashell offering quicker response times and the Silent Sakura lending itself to a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for key travel depths.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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 Jerrzi Seashell switch stands out with its clacky and high-pitched characteristics. This creates a crisp and bright auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable, as it adds an engaging element to the typing experience. The clacky nature can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a certain tactile response when pressing keys. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered to offer a completely different sound profile, emphasizing a whisper-quiet operation that resembles the subtle patter of raindrops. This noticeable difference makes the Seashell switches more suitable for users who appreciate auditory feedback, while the Silent Sakura will appeal to those in quieter environments or who prioritize discretion.
In terms of feel, the Seashell switches deliver a feathery and polished experience, requiring minimal force to press and enhancing comfort during extended use. The light actuation force reduces finger fatigue, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions, whether for gaming or work. The smooth and refined finish further amplifies the sense of ease when pressing the keys, contributing to an overall pleasant typing experience. The Silent Sakura - 53g switches, while not elaborated on, are presumably crafted for a balanced and satisfying keystroke with their 53g bottom-out force. This suggests a different yet potentially enjoyable typing feel, suitable for those seeking a balance between light keystrokes and sufficient resistance.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offers a lively, clacky sound and a feathery feel, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on delivering an exceptionally quiet experience with an adequately balanced force. For those who prioritize auditory feedback, the Seashell may be preferable, whereas those who value a quiet typing experience might lean towards the Silent Sakura. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience, but they cater to distinctly different user environments and styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you are someone who values a visually striking aesthetic and enjoys a typing experience that is both light and responsive with a delightful clacky sound, the Seashell switch is an excellent choice. Its feathery feel and polished finish make it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, whether you're gaming, working, or studying. Conversely, if you prioritize quietness and a balanced actuation force, the Silent Sakura - 53g will be more appealing. Its medium-light actuation force delivers a satisfying feel while ensuring minimal noise, making it ideal for quieter environments where you don't want to disturb others. In essence, select the Jerrzi Seashell if you desire an energetic and vibrant typing experience, and opt for the HMX Silent Sakura if you seek a calm and soothing keystroke. Your choice will ultimately enhance your overall keyboard experience, so consider your environment and typing style when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
