Gateron Quinn vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular contenders are the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Seashell, a linear switch. The Quinn switch is renowned for its crisp and light tactile feedback coupled with a rich, resonant sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Seashell switch stands out for its stunning purple hue and light, clacky feel, making long typing sessions a delightful experience. While the Quinn switch offers a precise and crisp tactile bump, the Seashell switch provides easy-to-press keys with a high-pitched sound. 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
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and the Jerrzi Seashell switches differ significantly. The Quinn utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Seashell features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile as the stiffer plastic leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate in the Seashell allows for a clear housing that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the Quinn's nylon housing gives a more classic and subdued look.
While the top housing materials of the Quinn and Seashell switches differ, their bottom housing materials remain the same, both being constructed from nylon. This consistency in material leads to a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the softness of the nylon plastic. However, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings will vary, as the bottom housing will impact the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can influence various aspects of the typing experience in mechanical switches.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and Jerrzi Seashell switches offer contrasting sound profiles and aesthetic features due to their use of nylon and polycarbonate, respectively. The Quinn's nylon housing provides a more subdued and absorbing sound, while the Seashell's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience with a deep and full sound. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams compared to the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch with 45 grams, making the Seashell the lighter option. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means it is difficult to directly compare them in that aspect. The Quinn's medium-heavy actuation force of 59 grams may provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Seashell. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Seashell for longer typing sessions, while those looking for a stronger push feel may opt for the Quinn for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch and Jerrzi Seashell linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Both switches offer a consistent key press experience with the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation point when using either switch. The matching travel distances of the Quinn and Seashell switches make them suitable options for those looking for a standard key press feel without any significant differences in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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.
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 Gateron Quinn tactile switch delivers a deep and resonant experience with a bassy and resonant profile, complemented by its clacky and low-pitched characteristics. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch offers a bright and crisp sound with a clacky and high-pitched tone. While the Quinn provides a more bass-heavy and immersive auditory experience, the Seashell leans towards a sharper and more percussive sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and setup.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is praised for its snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy tactile feedback. These qualities contribute to a responsive and refined typing experience with a balance of tactility and smoothness. In comparison, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is described as feathery and easy-to-press, providing a light and effortless key press that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches are noted for their polished finish, which ensures a sleek and frictionless key travel. The Quinn offers a more varied tactile experience, while the Seashell focuses on a light and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn excels in providing a deep and resonant sound profile with a crisp and tactile typing experience, while the Seashell offers a bright and clacky sound with a light and easy-to-press feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound depth, tactility, and keypress effort, users can choose between these switches to tailor their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver satisfying results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a crisp tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Quinn switch may be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a stunning aesthetics with a light and clacky typing experience, the Seashell switch could be the way to go. Ultimately, your choice should be based on what features matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch, whether it be sound, feel, or appearance. Experiment with both switches to determine which one enhances your typing experience the most.
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