Jerrzi Seashell vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Twilight stand out as excellent options, each with its unique appeal. The Jerrzi Seashell is not only striking with its vibrant purple hue but also delivers a light and clacky feel that enhances the typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prioritize both aesthetics and comfort during extended use. With characteristics like being feathery and easy-to-press, the Seashell entices keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate a smooth and delightful typing rhythm. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers a unique advantage with its extended 3.85mm travel distance, resulting in a quieter performance while still retaining the signature clacky traits that fans love. This makes the Twilight an appealing option for users who desire a more subdued sound profile without sacrificing the tactile responsiveness of a linear switch. Each switch caters to different preferences, whether you are drawn to the visual and audial joy of the Seashell or the refined, quieter feel of the Twilight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.85 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Twilight switches exemplify contrasting approaches to housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Seashell employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the clarity of each keystroke. Its rigidity results in a more resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting enthusiasts who seek a visually striking and acoustically robust typing experience. In contrast, the Twilight’s nylon top housing offers a softer, more subdued auditory characteristic. By absorbing sound rather than amplifying it, nylon produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. This results in a quieter keystroke experience, focusing on a rounder tone, which might appeal to users who prefer a more muted typing environment.
When it comes to their bottom housings, both the Seashell and Twilight utilize nylon. This shared material choice promotes similar acoustic properties in both switches, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile overall. Because nylon is inherently softer, it excels in sound absorption, minimizing harsher auditory feedback during typing. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing means both switches will produce a comparable subdued bottom-out sound, allowing the user to experience a satisfying and cushioned keystroke. However, while the bottom housing of each switch contributes to the overall typing feel, the differences in their top housings will inevitably result in varied sound profiles during different stages of key press.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the Jerrzi Seashell and HMX Twilight switches creates distinct yet complementary typing experiences. The Seashell leverages the crispness of polycarbonate to deliver an articulate sound upon release, while the nylon bottom provides a rounded feel as the key is pressed down. Conversely, the Twilight’s nylon top moderates the sound and results in a softer key release, complemented by a robust sound during bottoming out. This distinction underscores how the interplay of different materials in switch design shapes not only the auditory feedback but also the tactile experience of typing, highlighting both the uniqueness and commonality in their constructions.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, there are notable distinctions in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Seashell features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Twilight has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making the Twilight easier to press. However, the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Twilight has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light for a switch. This means that while the Seashell may provide a firmer experience on initial keypresses, the Twilight offers a lighter touch with a predictable bottom out sensation. The differences in these forces can impact typing experience significantly; those preferring a softer keystroke and prolonged typing sessions might gravitate towards the Twilight, whereas users desiring more resistance might find the Seashell more suitable. Overall, the Twilight is the lighter switch, while information about the Seashell's bottom out force remains unavailable, complicating a full comparison.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Seashell features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, while the Twilight offers a longer travel distance at 3.85 mm. This difference means that if you're looking for a more responsive keystroke, the Seashell may cater to your preference for shorter travel distances, benefiting gamers who seek quicker response times. On the other hand, if you favor a more pronounced keystroke with a deeper feel, the Twilight's longer travel distance would be the better choice. Thus, depending on your personal preference for key response and feedback, each switch provides differing experiences influenced by their respective travel distances.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is known for its distinct clacky characteristics, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback with high-pitched tones that delight those who prefer a brighter sound profile. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which leads to a slightly quieter operation. While it still retains some clack due to the inherent qualities of HMX switches, it may not be as pronounced as that of the Seashell. However, it’s important to remember that the sound an individual experiences can vary based on the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps, so both switches could delight different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Seashell switch excels with its exceptionally light and feathery action, requiring minimal force for activation. This makes it an excellent choice for long typing sessions, as the reduced exertion alleviates finger fatigue considerably. In addition to its light touch, the Seashell is smooth and polished, contributing to a serene typing experience as it minimizes friction. Conversely, information regarding the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch is currently unknown. Given the Seashell’s easily accessible actuation and refined finish, it offers a notably comfortable typing experience, particularly for users who might be prone to finger strain.
In summary, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is characterized by its vibrant sound profile and gentle yet smooth feel, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate both auditory and tactile pleasure during extended use. The HMX Twilight switch, while quieter and designed with a greater travel distance, may not provide the same level of engaging sound, but it likely offers a different experience that could appeal to other typing preferences. Regardless of these nuances, enthusiasts can expect to find satisfaction in the tactile and auditory results of either switch, depending on their individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, consider your preferences and intended usage. If you're someone who appreciates a visually striking aesthetic alongside a light, clacky typing experience, the Seashell is your go-to option. Its feathery feel and polished finish make it a fantastic choice for long typing sessions, whether for gaming or work, as it significantly reduces finger fatigue while delivering a crisp, high-pitched sound that is both delightful and energizing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more resistance without losing the comfortable feel, the HMX Twilight may suit you better. With its extended travel distance and slightly heavier bottom out force, it enables a quieter operation without sacrificing the beloved clacky characteristics, making it a great fit for environments where subtlety is key and delivering solid feedback during typing is essential. Ultimately, your decision revolves around whether you value aesthetic delight and ultra-light feel or a more substantial typing experience with a touch of elegance.
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