Jerrzi Seashell vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to aesthetic and functional qualities. The Jerrzi Seashell switch stands out with its stunning purple hue, embodying both beauty and performance. Renowned for its light and clacky nature, the Seashell offers a feathery touch that makes typing enjoyable even over long sessions. Its high-pitched sound adds a delightful auditory element, appealing to those who thrive on sensory satisfaction. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, offers a different experience. Manufactured with a blend of high-quality materials, it delivers a subtle top-out and satisfying clack, paired with excellent factory lubrication that enhances its smoothness. While both linear switches cater to different preferences—one embodying a playful aesthetic and lightness, and the other emphasizing a more refined typing experience—each holds its unique charm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
The Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience. Polycarbonate, recognized for its stiffness, lends itself to producing crisp and resonant tones. This shared material choice means that users of both switches can expect an improved sound clarity that is particularly noticeable when engaging with RGB lighting, thanks to the housing's translucency. Aesthetically, the clear nature of polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of lighting effects, making both switches visually striking on a keyboard.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches presents notable differences that lead to distinct sound profiles. Both the Seashell and Sunset Gleam utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This material is traditionally known for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition, generating a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The nylon contributions to the bottom housing provide a more rounded sound when the key is pressed down, while the polycarbonate top takes care of the sharper notes as the user releases the key. This combination of materials ensures that while both switches share similar acoustic qualities in terms of clarity, the tactile and auditory sensations during the key press are influenced significantly by the nylon's sound absorption properties.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Seashell and Sunset Gleam results in a balanced performance. While the top housings contribute to the brightness and clarity of sound, the bottom housings add warmth and depth. The blending of these materials means that users will perceive a holistic sound experience when typing or gaming, characterized by both sharpness and fullness. Despite the similarity in material composition, the interaction between the stiffer polycarbonate tops and the softer nylon bottoms ensures that the switches are distinctly enjoyable, each offering nuanced differences that cater to personal preferences in sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Seashell switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Sunset Gleam's actuation force of 42 grams. This difference can lead to a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Seashell is not available, making it difficult to assess its complete performance compared to the Sunset Gleam, which features a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Sunset Gleam not only has a lighter actuation force but also a defined bottom out force, indicating a clearer tactile response when pressing keys all the way down. In summary, while the Seashell switch may offer a firmer actuation, the lack of bottom out data limits our understanding. The Sunset Gleam, with its lighter actuation force and known bottom out force, could be more suitable for extensive typing sessions, appealing to those who prioritize a smoother experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Seashell the shorter option, offering a slightly quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking fast actuation. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam's 3.5 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer as it can contribute to a more forgiving typing experience. Overall, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Seashell's shorter length facilitates immediate feedback, making it ideal for those prioritizing speed. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam may cater to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes, despite the minimal difference in measurement.
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 offers a distinctively clacky profile characterized by its crisp and percussive tone, with a bright and high-pitched delivery. This creates an engaging auditory experience that many users find appealing, especially when typing or gaming for extended periods. Unlike the Seashell, the sound signature of the HMX Sunset Gleam switches is currently unspecified, but it should be noted that the overall sound experience is influenced by various factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material. Therefore, while the Seashell clearly stands out with its well-defined clacky sound, we can only speculate about the acoustic qualities of the Sunset Gleam.
In terms of feel, the Seashell switches excel with their feathery touch, requiring little exertion for each key press. This low actuation force contributes to a reduced risk of finger fatigue during intensive typing sessions. Users will appreciate the effortless experience, which is further enhanced by a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. The Sunset Gleam switches, while uncharacterized in terms of feel, come with factory lube, which often suggests a smoother performance and potentially a more refined typing experience. However, without specific descriptors for the Sunset Gleam, a direct comparison can't be established, though users may expect a comfortable experience akin to that of the Seashell.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switches establish a clear advantage with their vivid sound profile and user-friendly feel, highlighting their suitability for long-term typing and gaming. Although the HMX Sunset Gleam’s auditory and tactile characteristics remain to be detailed, its connection to quality factory lube suggests potential for a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, if you're drawn to the qualities of the Seashell, you'll likely appreciate the feel and sound, while the Sunset Gleam may offer a different yet potentially satisfying alternative.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, it largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you seek a switch that delivers a visually stunning aesthetic along with an engaging and lightweight typing experience, the Seashell is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile combined with its feathery feel makes it perfect for long typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or school, as it minimizes finger fatigue and offers a more responsive input. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that balances a subtle top-out with a satisfying clack and comes pre-lubed for effortless operation, the Sunset Gleam is the way to go; its slightly firmer actuation force provides just enough resistance for those who appreciate a bit more feedback without overwhelming your fingers. In essence, choose the Seashell for a fun and accessible typing experience with flair, while the Sunset Gleam is ideal when you desire a refined, satisfying tactile feel with a touch of robustness. Both switches cater to different aspects of performance and enjoyment, so consider what specific characteristics resonate with your typing style and make your choice accordingly.
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