KTT Ash Gray vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering differences between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the KTT Ash Gray and the Jerrzi Honey Bean. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch known for its substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, providing a light touch with a crisp actuation. On the other hand, the Honey Bean is a linear switch offering a light and linear action with silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. Both switches are categorized as 'Easy-to-press' but differ in terms of their tactile feedback and noise level. 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the KTT Ash Gray and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, one noticeable difference lies in the materials used for their top housing. The Ash Gray features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean uses a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials have their unique characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Ash Gray will likely appeal to users who prioritize a crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Honey Bean may appeal to those seeking a softer and more subdued typing experience.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is the material used for their bottom housing. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. In contrast, the Honey Bean also uses a POM bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound profile as its POM top housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Ash Gray is likely to provide a more round and dull sound compared to the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing, which offers a consistent and pleasing sound experience.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the KTT Ash Gray and the Jerrzi Honey Bean differ, each serves to enhance the overall typing experience in its unique way. The split in housing materials allows users to experience a combination of qualities when pressing down on a key, feeling the impact of the bottom housing, and hearing the sound when letting go, influenced by the top housing. Whether you prefer the sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate or the deep and muted sound of POM, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences and priorities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, a difference in weight is evident. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. On the other hand, the Honey Bean has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The variation in weight between the two switches can cater to different preferences - with the Ash Gray being lighter, allowing for longer typing periods, and the Honey Bean providing a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Although the Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick key presses. However, if you prefer a more pronounced key press with a bit more depth, the Ash Gray with its 3.5 mm travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prefer a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and preferences. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch offers a muted sound, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Ash Gray being more versatile and the Honey Bean offering a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, both the Ash Gray and Honey Bean switches are described as easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for activation. The Ash Gray switch is noted for its mild tactile feedback, offering a comfortable and low-impact typing feel. In comparison, the Honey Bean switch is described as feathery, with an exceptionally light press that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. While both switches offer a gentle typing experience, the Honey Bean switch may be preferred for its lighter touch.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches each have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray switch provides a versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile and mild tactile feedback, while the Honey Bean switch offers a quieter typing experience with a feather-light touch. Depending on your preference for typing feel and noise level, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your overall keyboarding experience. Both switches will provide satisfactory results, but selecting the one that aligns with your preferences will ensure a more enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider your preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile response with a light touch and a moderate sound profile, the Ash Gray switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and linear action with a muted sound for a quiet typing experience, the Honey Bean switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or silent operation in your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
