PH Studio Aniya vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Aniya and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the options can be overwhelming, especially when comparing two popular linear switches like the PH Studio Aniya and the Jerrzi Honey Bean. The Aniya, produced by BSUN, stands out for its balanced acoustic profile, delivering a slightly clacky yet not overly loud typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate a little auditory feedback without the noise that bothers others. Its smooth keystrokes, thanks to its Ly stems and medium-light actuation force, provide a delightful tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean prioritizes a silent and feather-light feel, making it an ideal choice for office environments and shared spaces where quiet operation is essential. Its easy-to-press action ensures a seamless and efficient typing experience without disturbing those around you. While both switches offer unique benefits—whether it’s the semi-audible satisfaction of the Aniya or the stealthy smoothness of the Honey Bean—each serves distinct preferences and use cases. 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
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Aniya and the Jerrzi Honey Bean are both comprised of POM, resulting in strikingly similar acoustic characteristics and tactile experiences. With both the top and bottom housings made from POM, both switches are designed to create an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile. This sound profile leans towards the deeper side, which is described as relatively muted compared to other switch types. Consequently, users of either switch can expect to enjoy a similar auditory experience, characterized by a rich tonal quality that is soothing and avoids harshness.
While the materials are identical, the interaction between the top and bottom housings shapes the overall feel of each switch differently. In both the Aniya and the Honey Bean, the POM material's properties will influence the key feel in slightly distinct ways based on the switch design. When pressed, the POM bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the top housing's effect kicks in during the release of the key. In this case, since both switches utilize POM for both the top and bottom, users will experience a consistent combining of muted depth and satisfying tactile feedback in their keystrokes.
Ultimately, the resemblance in housing materials means that both the PH Studio Aniya and Jerrzi Honey Bean offer switch enthusiasts a comparable experience in sound quality and feel. Their deep and muted sound profile, alongside the soft, smooth action provided by the POM housings, ensures a harmonious typing experience. Given the similarities in housing materials, users can confidently choose either switch with the assurance that they will receive a distinct and enjoyable typing experience – one that highlights the unique acoustic capabilities of POM without significant variation between the two models.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Aniya linear switch with the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we find that both have the same actuation force of 42 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for those who prefer lighter switches that facilitate longer typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs—while the Aniya switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean switch remains unknown. This means that users of the Aniya might experience a slightly more substantial feel when pressing the key all the way down, in contrast to the Honey Bean, whose bottoming out characteristics cannot be determined. Overall, the Aniya can be categorized as the heavier switch due to its known bottom out force, providing a more defined typing experience, while the Honey Bean is lighter in this aspect, though the exact sensation during bottoming out cannot be assessed.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Aniya has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Honey Bean offers a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.5 mm reflects varying design philosophies; those who prefer a faster, more responsive feel when typing or gaming may gravitate toward the Aniya's quicker actuation. In contrast, the Honey Bean's greater travel distance might appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, providing a deeper tactile experience. Ultimately, your ideal choice hinges on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Aniya has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aniya for $4.20.
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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Aniya linear switch presents a unique auditory profile that leans towards a pronounced clacky timbre. Its crisp and bright characteristics provide an engaging sound experience that is alive without being overwhelmingly loud. This makes it suitable for environments where you still want to enjoy and feel the feedback of the keystrokes without creating a nuisance. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch focuses on muted operation, ensuring a soft and quiet sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Honey Bean ideal for shared spaces or office settings where silence is valued. Due to the fundamental design of the switches, users can expect a distinctly different sound profile depending on the switch they choose.
Regarding feel, the Aniya switch delivers a remarkably smooth experience, characterized by a "creamy" sensation attributed to the use of specific materials and potentially factory lubrication. This silky texture allows for effortless gliding across the keys, providing a delightful tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch is designed for an easy-to-press feel, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal force. This light actuation makes typing a breeze and significantly reduces finger fatigue, making it particularly suitable for long sessions of use. While the Aniya provides a luxurious smoothness with richer tactile feedback, the Honey Bean prioritizes comfort and lightness, each presenting distinct advantages depending on user preference.
In summary, both the PH Studio Aniya and Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile experiences. The Aniya excels in providing a lively and engaging clacky sound combined with a creamy and luxurious feel, appealing to those who appreciate an active typing sensation. Conversely, the Honey Bean emphasizes silence and ease of use, making it an excellent option for quieter environments. While both switches uniquely contribute to typing experiences, they target different user needs; selecting between them will come down to whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory experience and tactile feedback or a softer, more muted approach that prioritizes ease of use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Aniya linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you enjoy a more audible typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the Aniya is your go-to option. Its balanced clacky sound contributes to an engaging auditory atmosphere, while the creamy and silky feel ensures that your typing experience is both enjoyable and satisfying. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a light touch without feeling overly soft, making them ideal for both casual and intensive typing scenarios. On the other hand, if noise is a particular concern for you, especially in shared spaces or office environments, the Honey Bean switches stand out with their muted operation and feathery light actuation. They offer a nearly silent typing experience that allows you to type freely without disturbing those around you, making them perfect for extended use during work or class. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound and tactility with the Aniya or silent efficiency with the Honey Bean, both switches provide unique and pleasurable typing experiences tailored to different situations.