Kailh Berry vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Honey Bean mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find significant differences in their features and characteristics. The Berry switch is favored for its hefty and springy typing experience, with a chalk-like texture and a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch offers a lighter and more silent typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is key. While the Berry switch is more textured and bassy, the Honey Bean switch is praised for being feathery and easy to press. 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
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches, we see that the Berry utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Honey Bean opts for POM. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, whereas POM creates a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials are known for their pleasing sound characteristics, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. It is interesting to note how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the Berry features a nylon material while the Honey Bean uses POM. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, POM also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. This demonstrates that the choice of material for the bottom housing can greatly influence the overall sound and feel of a switch, showcasing the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when designing a switch for a specific sound profile.
Overall, while the Kailh Berry and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Berry results in a clear and resonant sound, complemented by the nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound profile. In comparison, the POM top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean create a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches showcase how the choice of housing materials can impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, offering enthusiasts a variety of options to tailor their typing experience to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the user. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing feel. In contrast, the Honey Bean switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it lighter than the Berry switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Honey Bean switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Berry switch due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Berry switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Honey Bean switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significant for most users, and they may achieve similar results in key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, giving a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch provides a muted sound, ideal for environments where minimizing noise is crucial. Both switches can offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Berry switch giving a more bass-heavy tone while the Honey Bean switch focuses on providing a quieter operation.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured feel, offering a noticeable friction when pressed which may appeal to some users. Conversely, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Berry switch provides a springy and chalk-like texture, the Honey Bean switch focuses on offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
Overall, if you prefer a heavier feel and deep sound profile, the Kailh Berry linear switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light and smooth typing experience with minimal noise, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch could be the more suitable option. Both switches have their unique qualities, and depending on your personal preferences and typing environment, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either one.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a springy feel and chalk-like texture, along with a deeper and bassier sound profile, then the Kailh Berry switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and linear action with silent operation, perfect for minimizing noise in shared environments, along with an easy-to-press and feathery feel, then the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch would be more suitable. Both switches have their unique qualities and cater to different preferences, so it's important to choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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