Jerrzi Seashell vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present two intriguing options for enthusiasts, each with its own unique attributes. The Seashell stands out with its stunning purple hue and offers an enjoyable typing experience characterized by a light and clacky feel, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate an aesthetically pleasing switch that doesn't compromise on comfort during extended use. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), known for its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, delivers a distinctively crisp sound with a heavier actuation force, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel and precision in their typing. While the Seashell excites with its visual appeal and enjoyable tactile feedback, the Xinhai (Heavy) emphasizes performance and a refined acoustic profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Seashell and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), a clear distinction is observed in the materials used for their respective top housings. The Seashell features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile when typing. This characteristic not only enhances the acoustic experience by delivering a clearer resonance, but it also complements the visual appeal of RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) employs a nylon top housing. Nylon is recognized for its softer nature, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, while the Seashell's design enhances the high frequencies, the Xinhai tends to provide a more muted experience, favoring lower frequencies. Thus, these differences in the top materials distinctly influence the overall auditory and aesthetic performance of the switches.
Interestingly, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Seashell and Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon. This shared material results in a similar auditory experience regarding the bottom-out sound and feel, as nylon's sound-absorbing properties provide softness and warmth to the typing experience. The rounded sound profile generated by both switches when bottoming out is a testament to the nylon's effectiveness in creating a more blended auditory sensation. Here, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound remains significant regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, allowing both switches to maintain a sense of cohesion in terms of acoustic feedback during activation.
Ultimately, the comparison of the Jerrzi Seashell and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) reveals a blend of contrasting and complementary attributes based on their chosen materials. While the Seashell's polycarbonate top promotes clarity and brightness, the Xinhai (Heavy) leans toward warmth and depth with its nylon top. However, both share the same nylon material in their bottom housing, ensuring that regardless of the differences above, the bottom-out experience remains rich and full. In this way, users can expect a multifaceted typing experience influenced by the combination of varied top and consistent bottom housing materials – a dynamic interplay that shapes how these switches perform both in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, a significant difference arises in their actuation forces and respective user experiences. The Seashell requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and quick responses, which can be beneficial for both professionals and gamers. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) boasts a higher actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. Additionally, the Xinhai has a clearly defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Seashell is unknown. This means that while both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel, the Seashell is the lighter option suited for those who value a less strenuous keystroke, while the Xinhai appeals to those who favor a firmer, more substantial push as they bottom out.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch both share an identical travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will deliver comparable results in terms of keypress depth and feedback. This similarity makes either option suitable for those who prefer a consistent key feel across their keyboard, ensuring that both switches will perform in a like manner when it comes to key actuation.
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 Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 by its clacky nature, producing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. This makes it well-suited for those who appreciate a more lively auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, its high-pitched quality enhances the clarity of each keystroke, making it a delight for enthusiasts who prefer a less bass-heavy sound. In contrast, specific details about the sound profile of the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch are not provided. However, given that it employs a unique PA12 top housing designed for softer acoustics, it can be inferred that the Xinhai produces a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Seashell, focusing on a different aspect of sound maturity and sophistication.
When assessing the feel of these switches, the Jerrzi Seashell offers a highly enjoyable experience characterized by its feathery touch. The light actuation force allows for a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue even during extended use. The Seashell's easy-to-press nature means that minimal effort is required to register keystrokes, which promotes a responsive and low-impact typing sensation. The combination of these qualities results in a polished and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, details regarding the tactile feedback and overall feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch are absent, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in terms of user experience.
In conclusion, while the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch shines with its clacky sound and feathery feel, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch lacks available information regarding its sound and tactile characteristics, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. The Seashell is ideal for those who value an engaging auditory experience and a comfortable, light touch while typing. Without clear insights on the Xinhai's attributes, enthusiasts may need to evaluate it personally to determine if it meets their preferences. Ultimately, users looking for vivid feedback and ease of use will be satisfied with the Seashell, while the Xinhai may appeal to those seeking a subtler typing experience, provided its specific qualities align with their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more playful, clacky typing experience, the Seashell is an excellent choice. Its feathery feel and polished finish really shine during long use, making it ideal for gaming, school, or work environments where comfort and low exertion are essential. Conversely, if you prefer a switch that demands a bit more force and provides a more pronounced sound profile, the Xinhai (Heavy) would suit you better. The medium bottom-out force may appeal to those who appreciate a tactile feedback mechanism while typing, and the unique acoustic properties of the POM stem enhance the overall experience with a high-pitched yet crisp sound. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you value a lighter, more effortless typing experience with the Seashell or a slightly heavier and more sophisticated feel with the Xinhai (Heavy).
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