Jerrzi Seashell vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Seashell and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Seashell and the SP-Star Yanyu, both of which are linear switches. The Jerrzi Seashell is renowned for its stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel that makes typing a true delight. It offers easy-to-press keys that remain comfortable even during long typing sessions, appealing to keyboard enthusiasts looking for both aesthetic beauty and functionality. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is ideal for those seeking a more delicate typing experience, with a material blend that provides a crisp sound profile. While the Seashell is characterized as 'Clacky' and 'Easy-to-press', the Yanyu is described as 'Mild' and 'Feathery'. 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
43g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Seashell and the SP-Star Yanyu, one major difference lies in the top housing material. The Seashell utilizes polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Yanyu features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a pleasant and bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp. While both materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the Seashell's polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance, whereas the Yanyu's blend leans towards a more balanced and softer sound.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing materials of the two switches, the Seashell's nylon provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder sound. In comparison, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a unique sound profile that is on the brighter side, showcasing a different tonal quality than the Seashell's nylon bottom housing. Both materials bring their own distinct characteristics to the table, with nylon emphasizing a deeper sound and the blend offering a more balanced and bright sound, showcasing the versatility in sound profiles that different housing materials can provide.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Seashell and the SP-Star Yanyu comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Seashell's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a unique and bright sound experience. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of nylon for the Seashell and the blend for the Yanyu each contribute to a distinct sound profile, with nylon emphasizing depth and the blend highlighting brightness. In the end, both switches offer innovative housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound quality, showcasing the diverse range of options available in the mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it's clear that the Seashell is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Seashell, which has an unknown bottom out force. These differences may lead to a typing experience that feels slightly different between the two switches. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Seashell for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Yanyu for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Seashell linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Seashell offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Yanyu provides a more deliberate feel with its longer travel distance, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Seashell being the shorter option and the Yanyu offering a longer travel distance for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for response time 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 having a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more neutral and thocky sound profile, with a deeper and richer tone when activated. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Seashell being more vibrant and sharp, while the Yanyu leans towards a more mellow and satisfying sound experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a brighter and crisper sound or a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Seashell switch is polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience, with a feather-light touch that is gentle on the fingers. Like the Seashell, the Yanyu switch is also polished, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Seashell being more focused on lightness and ease of use, while the Yanyu offers a softer and more approachable feel.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch each offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a sharper and brighter sound with a light and easy-to-press feel, the Seashell switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile with a mild and subtle typing experience, then the Yanyu switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, and selecting between the two would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light and clacky typing experience with a stunning purple hue, the Seashell switch would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a comfortable and delightful typing experience over long sessions, perfect for enthusiasts looking for both aesthetics and functionality. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile and a moderate actuation force, the Yanyu switch may be more suitable for you. It is ideal for those typing for extended periods of time or seeking a neutral switch with a thocky sound. Ultimately, the decision between the Seashell and Yanyu switches will come down to your preferences in terms of feel and sound, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and needs.
Mentioned in this article
