Jerrzi Seashell vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jerrzi Seashell and the Gazzew U4 mechanical keyboard switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Seashell switch stands out for its stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a feathery and easy-to-press typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switch is praised for its sharp tactile bump and plush bottom-out sensation, providing a more muted and low-pitched sound profile during typing. While the Seashell switch offers a comfortable and delightful typing experience, the U4 switch delivers a tactile and quiet alternative. 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
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Seashell's housing materials are quite distinct from each other, with a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Seashell provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 utilizes a proprietary blend of plastic for both the top and bottom housing, delivering a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness.
While the Seashell's polycarbonate top housing and the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing both aim to provide a clear and resonant sound profile, they achieve this in different ways. The polycarbonate material of the Seashell is relatively stiffer, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Gazzew blend of the U4 is softer, resulting in a deeper and richer sound profile. However, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Seashell's nylon and the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend focus on providing a fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone.
In terms of overall sound profile and feel, the housing materials of the Jerrzi Seashell and the Gazzew U4 play significant roles in shaping the typing experience. The differences between the polycarbonate and nylon housing of the Seashell and the proprietary plastic blend of the U4 highlight the importance of housing materials in determining sound quality. Whether it's the sharper and crisper sound of the Seashell's polycarbonate top housing or the rich and deep sound of the U4's proprietary blend, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences in sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning the force required to trigger a keystroke is identical for both. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a significant difference between the two switches. The Seashell has an unknown bottom out force, while the U4 has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered medium. This means that the U4 requires more force to fully press down compared to the Seashell. In terms of weight, the Seashell would be considered lighter since it has no known bottom out force, while the U4 is on the heavier side with its 62-gram bottom out force. Depending on preference, some users may prefer the lighter feel of the Seashell for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the heavier push of the U4 for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, the Seashell has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the U4 has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, making them ideal choices for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. However, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant enough to notice in everyday use. Ultimately, whether you choose the Seashell or the U4 will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is best described as clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is known for its muted and low-pitched sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Seashell switch provides a more vibrant and percussive typing sound, while the U4 switch offers a more subdued and mellow tone, making it ideal for quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Seashell switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and polished, providing a light and effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. The U4 switch, on the other hand, is known for its sharp tactile bump, offering a strong and crisp feedback intensity with each keypress. If you prefer a smoother key travel and reduced friction, the Seashell switch may be more appealing, while the U4 switch is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump during typing.
Overall, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Seashell switch excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery and polished feel, perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the U4 switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound with a sharp tactile bump, catering to individuals who prefer a quieter typing sound with a pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches are sure to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch or the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you value a light, clacky switch with a stunning purple hue that offers comfort and joy during long typing sessions, the Seashell may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush bottom-out sensation and a whisper quiet sound profile, the U4 could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound.