Jerrzi Seashell vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Jerrzi Seashell and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, both of which are linear switches. The Seashell switches are renowned for their stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel, providing a comfortable and delightful typing experience that is a joy for enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switches offer a deep, thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel due to their lengthened single-stage spring, appealing to a wide range of users with their standard spring weight. While these general descriptions give a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, it is important to dive deeper beyond these generalities to determine which switch best suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Seashell and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is evident that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. However, the Seashell's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing, providing a clear and resonant sound profile throughout the switch.
While the Seashell and Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings, their differing bottom housing materials result in unique sound profiles. The Seashell's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile established by its top housing. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how the choice of material can impact the overall sound experience of a switch. Users can expect a more immersive typing experience with the Seashell's deeper sound or a consistently clear sound with the Tourmaline Blue.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in the Jerrzi Seashell and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers users a variety of sound profiles to choose from. While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings for sharp and crisp sound, the Seashell's nylon bottom housing adds a unique depth to its sound profile. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent clarity throughout the switch's operation. This variation in housing materials demonstrates how subtle differences can greatly impact the overall sound experience of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, with the Seashell requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke while the Tourmaline Blue needs 59 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Tourmaline Blue is heavier at 67 grams, while the bottom out force for the Seashell is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Seashell may be the better option due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and don't mind a heavier key press, the Tourmaline Blue with its higher actuation and bottom out forces may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch's 4mm travel distance. The Seashell offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deeper keypress feel, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, with the Seashell being the shorter option and the Tourmaline Blue being the longer option for travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preference in terms of keypress feel and response time.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched characteristics, resulting in a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. This unique sound profile can be appealing to those who enjoy a more crisp and bright auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, which is characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and sound level. This makes the Tourmaline Blue switches versatile and suitable for various users and environments, whether for beginners or advanced users. The actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch provides a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience, with minimal exertion required from the fingers. This light actuation force can reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it comfortable for various activities like gaming, schoolwork, or office tasks. Moreover, the polished finish of the Seashell switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing sensation, thanks to reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the mild characteristics of the Tourmaline Blue switch offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, striking a middle-ground balance between various qualities.
Overall, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different preferences. If you prefer a sharper and brighter sound with a light and polished feel, the Seashell switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral sound with a buttery and approachable feel, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be a better choice. Ultimately, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, depending on your individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light and clacky typing experience with a stunning purple hue, the Seashell switch is the one for you. It offers a feathery and easy-to-press feel, making it comfortable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Tourmaline Blue switch is a great choice. With a balanced spring weight and a buttery and mild typing feel, it provides a satisfying and accessible typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value aesthetics and a light typing experience (Seashell) or a deep sound profile and medium-heavy bottom out force (Tourmaline Blue). Choose wisely based on your preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
