Jerrzi Seashell vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Seashell and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique and appealing features for keyboard enthusiasts. The Seashell switch is lauded for its stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel, providing a comfortable typing experience that remains delightful even during long sessions. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing. Additionally, it offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Seashell and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The Seashell's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the polycarbonate in the Seashell provides a clearer and more resonant sound due to its stiffness, whereas the KTT blend in the Vanilla Ice Cream creates a unique clackiness.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Seashell utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream's POK bottom housing is known for its smoothness, clackiness, and exceptional durability. The POK material's coefficient of friction and wear resistance make it a top choice for creating long-lasting switches that offer a satisfying typing experience. While the nylon bottom housing in the Seashell focuses on sound depth and absorption, the POK material in the Vanilla Ice Cream prioritizes smoothness and resilience.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch impacts both the sound and feel of typing. The qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are distributed throughout the switch, influencing both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. While the Seashell and the Vanilla Ice Cream switches have different housing materials for their tops and bottoms, they each offer a unique typing experience that showcases the strengths of the materials used. Whether it's the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in the Seashell or the smoothness and durability of POK in the Vanilla Ice Cream, users can expect distinctive sound profiles and typing sensations from each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it can be seen that the Seashell has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Seashell's force is unknown while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it slightly heavier. The Seashell provides a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a heavier feel that some users may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Seashell offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, so users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for a shorter or 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, delivering a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that stands out with its unique acoustics. Both switches offer distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Seashell being more purely clacky and high-pitched while the Vanilla Ice Cream encompasses a wider range of sound qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Seashell switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and polished, offering a light and comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience akin to gliding across the keys with ease. While the Seashell focuses on light actuation force and a refined finish, the Vanilla Ice Cream emphasizes a seamless and uniform typing sensation that is likened to the smoothness of cream.
Overall, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Seashell offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a feathery feel, while the Vanilla Ice Cream provides a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound with a buttery and creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you prefer a more crisp and light typing experience, the Seashell may be the way to go, whereas if you prefer a smoother and more fluid sensation, the Vanilla Ice Cream might be the better choice.
Conclusion
In concluding, when deciding between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch. If you value a light and clacky typing experience with a stunning purple hue, the Seashell switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy feel with a high-pitched and marbly sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and tactile feedback desired when making your decision between these two unique switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a delightful typing experience, so you can't go wrong with either choice.