Gateron Aliaz vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Gateron Aliaz, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, a linear switch. The Aliaz switches are ideal for quiet office settings with their silent design and medium-heavy weight, offering a satisfying tactile feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches provide a light and linear action, perfect for noise-sensitive environments like offices, while still delivering a satisfying typing experience. The Aliaz switch is described as 'Silky', 'Muted', and 'Polished', while the Honey Bean switch is labeled as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted'. 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Jerrzi Honey Bean both feature distinct housing materials for their top and bottom parts that contribute to their unique sound profiles. While the Aliaz utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for its sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound, the Honey Bean comes with a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound characteristics reflects the differences in stiffness and resonance between polycarbonate and POM plastics.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Aliaz and the Honey Bean also diverge in material choice and sound profile. The Aliaz's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing by enhancing the sharp and crisp sound with a clear and resonant quality. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing contributes to a more pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. This difference in bottom housing material further distinguishes the overall sound experience of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Jerrzi Honey Bean comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the Aliaz offers a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, the Honey Bean provides a more muted and unique sound experience with its POM materials. Whether you prefer a high-pitched sound with clear resonance or a deeper, more pleasing tone, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. However, if you're looking for a similar sound profile, opting for switches with the same housing material for both top and bottom parts can provide consistent results across the board.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch. The Aliaz requires 60 grams of force to actuate a key and 75 grams to bottom out, while the Honey Bean only needs 42 grams of force to actuate a key with the bottom out force remaining unknown. This makes the Aliaz a heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Honey Bean is lighter and may be more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Aliaz has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. The difference may not be drastic, but it can be noticeable to some users. The Aliaz's 4 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth when typing or gaming, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's 3.7 mm travel distance provides a slightly quicker response time, which may be favored by gamers looking for faster inputs. Both switches offer a comfortable travel distance that falls within the range of what most users prefer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Jerrzi Honey Bean has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey Bean for $3.59.
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, both the Gateron Aliaz and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are described as producing a muted sound, making them ideal choices for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces where noise needs to be minimized. This allows for a more discreet typing experience without the usual clackiness associated with mechanical keyboards. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Aliaz is known for its silky and polished typing experience, offering smooth key travel and reduced friction. This results in a refined and comfortable typing feel that enhances overall typing performance. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are described as easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light and effortless typing experience. These characteristics make them suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch both excel in providing a quiet typing experience, making them suitable for office environments or shared spaces. While the Aliaz offers a medium-heavy weight and a pronounced typing feedback with a silky and polished feel, the Honey Bean provides a light and linear action with an easy-to-press and feathery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback, actuation force, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prefer a more pronounced typing feedback with a substantial feel and a quieter typing experience, the Aliaz switch may be the better choice, especially for office settings. On the other hand, if you value a light and linear typing action with silent operation for a discreet yet satisfying typing experience, the Honey Bean switch is a great option for shared environments. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound will determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
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