SP-Star Ayara vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the SP-Star Ayara and the Jerrzi Honey Bean mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the environment in which you will be using them. The Ayara switch is favored for its medium heftiness, delivering a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch offers a light and linear action with silent operation, making it ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is key. While the Ayara switch may appeal to those who prioritize a tactile typing experience, the Honey Bean switch caters to individuals seeking a more discreet and quieter option. 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
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, it is evident that they both use different materials for the top and bottom housings. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Honey Bean employs POM for both the top and bottom housing, creating a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a similar experience with regards to sound depth and overall profile, showcasing the impact housing materials can have on the typing experience.
In terms of the top housing, the Ayara's nylon material absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material used in the Honey Bean. This difference in sound profile showcases how housing materials can play a significant role in the overall typing experience. On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches offer a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, with the softer nylon material providing a deeper sound profile compared to the relatively more muted POM material.
Overall, the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Jerrzi Honey Bean showcase the influence that different materials can have on the sound profile of a switch. While the Ayara's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, the Honey Bean's POM housing provides a unique and muted sound profile. Both switches demonstrate how considering the housing materials of a switch can contribute to a more customized typing experience based on individual preferences for sound depth and overall feel.
Weight
In comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, the Ayara has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Honey Bean has an actuation force of 42 grams. This makes the Ayara the heavier switch in terms of bottom out force. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare them in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey Bean due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Ayara's heavier bottom out force may provide a satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ayara being the longer option. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Ayara. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that falls somewhere in the middle in terms of actuation force requirement and sound intensity. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch provides a muted sound that is soft and quiet, ideal for environments where noise control is essential. Depending on personal preference, the Ayara may be more versatile, fitting well in various settings, while the Honey Bean offers a more discreet typing experience.
In the realm of feel, the Ayara switch is noted for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and seamless key travel. In contrast, the Honey Bean switch boasts an easy-to-press feel with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force for activation, promoting effortless and comfortable typing. Additionally, the feather-light actuation force of the Honey Bean switch ensures reduced finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. Each switch offers a unique tactile experience, with the Ayara emphasizing polish and refinement, while the Honey Bean prioritizes ease of use and comfort.
In conclusion, the SP-Star Ayara and Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. While the Ayara provides a moderate and clacky sound with a polished typing experience, the Honey Bean offers a muted sound and easy-to-press feel for a comfortable and low-impact typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound intensity and typing dynamics, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user needs. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a hearty typing experience with clacky sound (Ayara) or a discreet and comfortable typing experience with minimal noise (Honey Bean).
Conclusion
In sum, when considering whether to choose the SP-Star Ayara linear switch or the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and linear action with silent operation, making them ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is crucial, the Honey Bean switches would suit you well. Whether you value a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force like the Ayara, or a muted and quieter sound profile like the Honey Bean, your decision should align with your desired typing experience. Similarly, if you appreciate a polished feel for reduced friction and smooth key travel as offered by the Ayara, or prefer an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue like the Honey Bean, you can select the switch that fits your typing style best. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider your needs and preferences carefully before making a decision.
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