Jerrzi Seashell vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Jerrzi Seashell and the Haimu Viola Tricolor. The Seashell switch stands out for its stunning purple hue, marrying aesthetics with functionality to provide a light and clacky typing experience that is comfortable and enjoyable for extended periods. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is designed to offer a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding character to your typing with pronounced tactility that strikes a perfect balance without being overly tactile. While the Seashell switch is known for its easy-to-press and high-pitched feel, the Viola Tricolor switch offers an invigorating and low-pitched sensation. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, making them suitable choices based on individual preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Seashell and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to shine through. On the other hand, the Seashell and Viola Tricolor differ in their bottom housings, with the Seashell utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor also opts for a nylon bottom housing for similar acoustic benefits.
In terms of sound profile, both the Seashell and Viola Tricolor benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, creating a clear and resonant sound profile. However, the nylon bottom housing of both switches offers a different acoustic experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile that is created by the softer plastic absorbing more sound. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with the qualities of each material impacting the sound when pressing down on a key versus releasing it.
While the Seashell and Viola Tricolor share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials, the different combinations of polycarbonate and nylon offer a diverse typing experience. The Seashell's stiffer polycarbonate top housing may provide a crisper sound profile, while the softer nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor also benefits from the sharpness of polycarbonate in the top housing but maintains a fuller sound profile with the nylon bottom housing. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a combination of materials that impact both sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we see a clear distinction in weight. The Seashell has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the Viola Tricolor is unknown, the difference in bottom out force indicates that it is heavier than the Seashell. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Viola Tricolor has a longer travel distance compared to the Seashell. The Seashell's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Viola Tricolor's longer travel distance may suit those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for responsiveness and keypress depth.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding an energetic element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, resonating with a deeper and richer tone that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Seashell delivers a sharp and snappy sound, the Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound that adds character to your typing sessions. Both switches bring unique auditory qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in sound profiles.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is described as feathery, easy-to-press, and polished, providing a light and effortless typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue and maximizes comfort during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers an accented and invigorating feel, delivering a pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force that creates an immersive and tactile typing sensation. The Seashell focuses on ease of use and smooth key travel, while the Viola Tricolor emphasizes a balanced tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user with excessive tactility.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Seashell provides a light and clacky typing experience with a bright and sharp sound, the Viola Tricolor offers a balanced tactile feedback with a thuddy and punchy sound profile. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing sessions with distinct characteristics that suit your typing style. Whether you prefer a feathery and polished feel or an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences that can elevate your overall keyboard usage.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a light and clacky typing experience with a stunning aesthetic, the Seashell switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with a balanced tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor switch could be the perfect fit. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as your bottom out force preference, to determine which switch aligns best with your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that resonates most with you.
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