Jerrzi Seashell vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Seashell switch stands out with its captivating purple hue and a delightful blend of lightness and clackiness, providing a comfortable typing experience that is both aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable over extended periods. This switch is particularly appreciated by keyboard enthusiasts who value a polished, feathery touch. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus switch is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring a remarkable actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire inputs, complemented by a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Seashell excels in comfort and aesthetic appeal, the Vintage Citrus shines in speed and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Vintage Citrus exhibit distinct characteristics that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Seashell's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic that lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is ideal for users who prefer a clear and resonant audio experience, especially when employing RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which is softer and results in a deeper, fuller sound. The inherent absorption qualities of nylon dull the sound, creating a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences, with the Seashell prioritizing clarity and precision, and the Vintage Citrus emphasizing warmth and depth.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches use nylon, further contributing to their auditory profiles. The Seashell and Vintage Citrus, through their nylon bottom housings, provide similar benefits in muffling sound. This shared material results in a consistent, deeper sound quality during key presses, contributing to a full-bodied auditory feedback that many users appreciate. When the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch, the softer properties of nylon ensure a more subdued, rounded impact for both models. Consequently, while the tops exhibit contrasting sound characteristics, the bottom housings unite them in delivering a deeper audio experience.
In summary, the juxtaposition of housing materials in the Jerrzi Seashell and HMX Vintage Citrus makes for a fascinating comparison. The Seashell's polycarbonate top offers clarity and brightness, while the Vintage Citrus's nylon top engenders warmth and roundness. However, both switches share a reliance on nylon for their bottom housings, ensuring that users enjoy a rich and full sound profile with each keystroke. This combination of differing top materials and a shared bottom housing ultimately illustrates how varying compositions can produce distinct auditory experiences, while still delivering a foundational sameness that enhances the overall user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we notice a few differences. The Jerrzi Seashell features an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier 48 grams to actuate. This slight increase means the Seashell switch may be preferable for users seeking a lighter feel, especially beneficial for long typing or gaming sessions. However, the Seashell’s bottom out force is not specified, leaving a gap in the comparison. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, which indicates a medium-light resistance when fully pressed down. Therefore, while both switches have their merits, the Seashell is the lighter option, making it better suited for those who prioritize less exertion, while the Vintage Citrus provides a heavier and more substantial push, appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see a difference that caters to various user preferences. The Seashell boasts a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which offers a deeper feel conducive to those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm, aligning more with the contemporary trend of quicker response times that gamers often seek. This makes the Vintage Citrus the shorter option, while the Seashell is the longer switch. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may gravitate towards the Vintage Citrus, while users seeking a more pronounced tactile feedback would likely prefer the Seashell.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 linear switch is characterized as clacky and high-pitched. This gives it a crisp, bright quality when pressed, producing a sharp and snappy auditory response that many users find pleasing. It adds a delightful percussive element to the experience, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the sound profile of the HMX Vintage Citrus switch is not explicitly defined, so we cannot make a direct comparison. However, users can expect a bright and clacky sound profile representative of a switch designed for rapid-fire gaming inputs.
In terms of feel, the Seashell switch excels at providing a light and comfortable typing experience. It is described as feathery and easy-to-press, meaning it offers minimal resistance and requires little effort from your fingers. This quality not only reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions but also promotes an effortless and enjoyable engagement with the keyboard. The switches are polished, contributing to a smooth typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, there is no specific mention of the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch, leaving that aspect unknown. However, given its design for quick actuation, it's reasonable to infer that it may also prioritize a smooth and responsive feel.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Seashell and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer unique qualities appealing to different types of users. The Seashell provides an aesthetically pleasing auditory experience and a supremely comfortable typing feel, ideal for enthusiasts seeking enjoyable long sessions. While the Vintage Citrus switch is designed with gamers in mind, prioritizing rapid actuation, we lack specific details on its sound and feel. Ultimately, while each switch offers something distinct, players seeking comfort, clackiness, and effortless keystrokes will notably find satisfaction in the Seashell, while gamers might still find their niche with the Vintage Citrus, even if exact qualities remain uncertain.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you appreciate a lightweight typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and are drawn to a visually striking aesthetic, the Seashell switch is an excellent choice for you. Its clacky sound profile and feathery feel make it ideal for long typing sessions, blending comfort with an enjoyable auditory experience. However, if you’re more inclined towards gaming, the Vintage Citrus switch stands out for its rapid-response capabilities, featuring a low actuation point that allows for quick inputs and medium-light bottom out force for a more engaged gaming experience. Additionally, if you prefer a smooth and somewhat quieter typing feel without sacrificing performance, the Vintage Citrus will serve you well. Weigh these factors carefully to find which switch aligns better with your typing style and gaming needs, ensuring that you make an informed and satisfying choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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