Jerrzi Seashell vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX SU offers distinct advantages based on individual preferences. The Seashell, with its captivating purple hue, not only stands out aesthetically but also delivers a light and clacky typing experience that is both enjoyable and comfortable, making it an excellent option for those who prioritize long, pleasurable typing sessions. Additionally, its feathery actuation ensures ease of use for fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the HMX SU, featuring a sturdy PA12 housing and a T5 stem, is engineered to provide a more subdued yet deeper sound profile. This makes the SU an ideal candidate for users who prefer a more muted auditory feedback without sacrificing performance. While both switches are linear and cater to different typing styles and sound preferences, they each shine in their own way. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX SU keyboards, a stark contrast emerges in their top housing materials. The Seashell utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's relatively rigid structure, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through brilliantly, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the keyboard. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs more sound and consequently produces a duller and rounder auditory experience. The difference in material significantly influences how users perceive each keyboard's acoustic feedback.
Both the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX SU employ nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material leads to a similar auditory characteristic, namely a deeper and fuller sound profile resulting from nylon's softer composition. The nylon housing absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, reducing resonance and making for a more muted, satisfying thock when bottoming out the keys. As each keyboard uses the same bottom housing material, this aspect ensures that users will experience a similar depth of sound when typing on either keyboard, regardless of the contrasting qualities in the top housing, allowing for an interesting interplay between the two different acoustic signatures.
Ultimately, the combination of these different housing materials leads to a rich and varied typing experience across both keyboards. In the case of the Jerrzi Seashell, the hard polycarbonate top translates into a sharper sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom ensures that the typing experience remains grounded with a fuller sound upon key presses. In contrast, the HMX SU's softer nylon top facilitates a more uniform auditory experience that's consistently deep and round. By mixing and matching these materials, both keyboards offer their unique sounds and tactile feedback, catering to different preferences among users while still retaining common elements through their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it is notable that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users of either switch will experience a similar tactile response when pressing down to register a keystroke, making them equally capable for typing or gaming tasks. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two; the HMX SU switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a stronger resistance when the key is fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Seashell is unknown. This suggests that the Jerrzi Seashell may provide a more forgiving end-point feel, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged use, while the HMX SU offers the heftier experience that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing sensation. In terms of weight, both switches are equal in actuation force, but the heavier bottom out force of the SU might cater to those who enjoy a firmer feedback. Overall, if you're looking for lightness and comfort for long sessions, the Jerrzi Seashell might be more suitable, whereas those who appreciate a stronger, more tactile feedback will likely gravitate towards the HMX SU.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch to that of the HMX SU linear switch, the two are distinct in their specifications. The Seashell has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SU measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a preference for responsiveness in the Seashell, making it appealing to gamers or those who favor quicker key presses, as it allows for faster response times. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may be more suited for users who appreciate a deeper and more tactile feel when typing. Therefore, if you lean toward a more abrupt keypress, the Seashell is the shorter option to consider; however, if a heartier depth is your priority, the SU with its longer travel distance is the better fit.
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 SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 linear switch is characterized by a clacky nature, producing a crisp and bright sound when engaged. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, adding an enjoyable acoustic layer to the experience. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch features a relatively deep sound profile, though specifics regarding the overall sound quality remain unspecified. Thus, while both switches offer distinct auditory experiences—one being sharp and percussive and the other subdued—personal preference will ultimately play a significant role in determining which may be more appealing to a user.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Seashell excels with its feathery touch, requiring minimal exertion for actuation. This low actuation force translates to comfort during extended use, making it particularly suitable for those who spend long hours typing or gaming. The Seashell is also polished, indicating a smooth and refined key travel that further enhances its ease of use. No information is available concerning the feel of the SU switch, which leaves its tactile qualities uncertain. Therefore, if you're someone who enjoys a lightweight and smooth typing experience, the Seashell clearly takes the lead in this category.
In summary, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch provides a delightful combination of clacky sound and an exceptionally light, polished feel, making it a strong candidate for enthusiasts seeking comfort and auditory enjoyment. Meanwhile, the HMX SU linear switch offers a relatively deep sound characteristic but lacks detailed attributes relating to its tactile feedback. The Seashell clearly stands out for its designed comfort and auditory response, but both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find a switch that best suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you are looking for a switch that not only performs well but also stands out aesthetically, the Seashell is a fantastic option. Its lightweight, feathery feel and clacky sound profile make it an excellent choice for long typing sessions, coding marathons, or even gaming. The reduced force needed to press the keys means you can type comfortably without straining your fingers, perfect for those extended use cases. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience, the HMX SU linear switch may be better suited for you. With a 50-gram bottom-out force, it offers a stable and nuanced tactile response while still maintaining a relatively light touch compared to other switches in its category. Its subtle sound profile may also appeal to those who prefer a quieter desktop environment or want to minimize distraction. In the end, your choice should reflect your typing style, aesthetic preferences, and the overall atmosphere you wish to create while using your mechanical keyboard.
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