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Jerrzi Seashell vs. Bsun Tomcat

An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two notable options are the Jerrzi Seashell and the Bsun Tomcat, both of which are linear switches. The Seashell switch distinguishes itself with its captivating purple hue, blending aesthetic appeal and high functionality. Its light, clacky feel keeps typing enjoyable, even during long sessions, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile experience alongside aesthetics. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch boasts an exceptionally smooth typing experience facilitated by its Ly stems, complemented by a resonant sound profile that adds a pleasing auditory element to each keystroke. While the Seashell delights in providing a gentle feedback characterized as clacky and feathery, the Tomcat prioritizes a seamless, whisper-quiet experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound, making them suitable for various users. 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

54g

Pre-travel

1.20 mm

Pre-travel

1.95 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

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

Extended spring

Housing materials

The Jerrzi Seashell and Bsun Tomcat both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in similar sound characteristics and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and translucency, creates a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This material not only enhances the overall acoustic performance of the switches, making each keystroke feel more distinct, but it also beautifully showcases any RGB lighting features due to its clear nature. Users who appreciate bright, resonant sounds in their keyboard switches will find both the Seashell and the Tomcat to be equally appealing in this regard, as the predictable acoustic qualities of polycarbonate contribute to a harmonious typing experience.

In contrast to their top housings, both the Seashell and Tomcat utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces distinct characteristics that impact how the switches feel and sound upon bottoming out. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, which absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller tonal profile. This material's ability to dampen vibrations results in a rounder sound, contrasting nicely with the clearer notes that the polycarbonate tops provide. Consequently, while the top experiences the sharper impact from key presses, the bottom housing's nylon ensures that the acoustic experience is enriched with warmth and depth, giving users a complete range of auditory feedback that enhances the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Jerrzi Seashell and Bsun Tomcat leads to a well-rounded sound experience that balances clarity with warmth. Each housing material’s strengths contribute to a cohesive typing performance, where the crisper high tones from the polycarbonate are complemented by the fuller low tones from the nylon. This careful interplay ensures that regardless of the specific model, users will enjoy a typing experience characterized by clarity, depth, and a satisfying resonance that holds true across both switch designs.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that the keystroke required to trigger a key is equal for both switches. This means users will experience a similar effort when pressing the keys. However, the bottom out force varies significantly; the Tomcat has a bottom out force of 54 grams, whereas the Seashell does not have a specified bottom out force. This difference suggests that the Tomcat switch provides a heavier overall feel when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Seashell switch being lighter in terms of actuation force, would likely be more suitable for individuals who prefer to type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, for those wanting a lighter touch, the Seashell is the better option, while the Tomcat caters to users seeking a firmer, more resistant feel during use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Seashell measures 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of travel distances that vary from traditional depths of 4.0 mm to shallower measurements around 3.0 mm, with shorter distances becoming more popular among gamers for their quick response times. In this context, the Seashell offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, which some users may prefer for gaming or fast typing. Conversely, the Tomcat, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who favor a more pronounced keystroke, providing a deeper and more satisfying feel when pressing down on a key. Thus, the Jerrzi Seashell is the shorter switch, while the Bsun Tomcat is the longer option, catering to different preferences among users.

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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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

The sound profile of the Jerrzi Seashell switch is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched tones. When pressed, these switches emit a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound that can be quite satisfying for tactile feedback enthusiasts. The bright nature of its sound adds to the overall engaging experience of typing, appealing particularly to those who enjoy auditory satisfaction while using their keyboard. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch lacks a detailed sound profile in the provided information, which suggests that the resonance produced may either be more subdued or simply different from the Seashell. However, it is important to note that sound characteristics can also be influenced by the keyboard design and keycap material, so the actual experience may vary based on setup.

In terms of feel, the Seashell switch offers a notably feathery and polished typing experience. Its light actuation force allows for effortless key presses, making it comfortable for extended use without causing finger fatigue. With its smooth key travel, one can expect a refined tactile experience that enhances overall typing proficiency. Unfortunately, there isn't any information available about the feel characteristics of the Tomcat switch, leaving its tactile performance unknown. This lack of detail means prospective users might not have a clear expectation of how the Tomcat compares on the comfort scale.

In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Seashell and Bsun Tomcat switches may be quite different in their sound and touch experiences, the Seashell clearly shines in its qualities of both auditory feedback and tactile ease. For those prioritizing sound, the Seashell offers a vibrant and lively engagement, while the Tomcat’s characteristics remain a mystery, leaving many potential users to speculate about its capabilities. Similarly, the Seashell's light and polished feel sets a high standard for comfort, and without more information on the Tomcat, it’s difficult to gauge how it might stack up in this important area. Overall, those drawn to mechanical keyboards can expect a vibrant, enjoyable typing experience with the Seashell, while the Tomcat leaves room for curiosity regarding its performance.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your specific needs and preferences will play a crucial role. If you value a vibrant aesthetic alongside a light and clacky typing experience, the Seashell switch will be a fantastic choice—its extremely light actuation promotes effortless key presses and minimized finger fatigue, making it perfect for long typing sessions whether you're gaming or working. The unique combination of its both high-pitched and crisp sound profile further enhances the enjoyment of typing, offering a refreshing auditory feedback that can add character to your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly more grounded feel, the Tomcat linear switch presents a medium-light force that provides satisfying resistance without feeling cumbersome. It features Ly stems known for their smooth actuation and a resonant sound profile that may appeal to those who appreciate a more subtle, refined auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not only your tactile preferences but also your desired aesthetic and sound characteristics, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard is tailored perfectly to your typing style and environment.

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