Akko Botany vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and the Jerrzi Honey Bean offer two distinct linear experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Botany switch is celebrated for its crisp and lively clacky sound, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy a more expressive typing experience. Its engaging auditory feedback can enhance the feel of writing or gaming, catering to users who appreciate a bit of personality in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are characterized by their easy-to-press, feathery action, providing a light and smooth feel that is perfect for extended typing sessions. They operate silently, making them an ideal option for office settings or shared workspaces, where minimizing noise is essential. Both switches bring their own unique flair to the table, appealing to different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Botany Linear

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Akko Botany and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches demonstrate both similarities and noteworthy differences that contribute to their overall typing experience. The Akko Botany features nylon for both the top and bottom housing, a material renowned for its soft texture and sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, switches made from nylon provide a deeper, fuller sound that many users find pleasing due to its rounded tonal profile. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housing. POM is also a high-quality plastic, but it delivers a distinct sound profile that is deeper yet relatively more muted compared to nylon. While both materials contribute to the overall sound experience, they do so in different ways, with the nylon in the Botany housing emphasizing a rounder sound and the POM in the Honey Bean offering a unique tonal quality that many enthusiasts appreciate.

When it comes to the interaction between the top and bottom housings, the differences in this regard become even more apparent. The softness of nylon means that the Botany's bottom housing can affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, creating a smoother feedback experience as users press down on the keys. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean will provide a firmer tactile response, impacting the feel during key presses differently than its nylon counterpart. The Hojjzi Honey Bean's top housing, being also POM, contributes to the fullness of sound when the key is released, resulting in a switch experience that balances between the muted tonality and a satisfactory sound profile upon actuation.

Despite these differences in materials, both the Akko Botany and Jerrzi Honey Bean ultimately achieve a pleasant and engaging typing experience with their distinctive sound profiles. For users looking to replicate the roundness offered by the Botany switches, one can opt to utilize sound dampeners or pads to further soften the feedback from the POM housing of the Honey Bean. This approach can help in bridging the gap between the two, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the beneficial nuances that each material brings to the gaming and typing experience. In summary, while the materials differ in tactile feedback and sound uniqueness, the desired outcome of an enjoyable typing experience remains consistent across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we observe distinct differences in actuation force. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to press compared to the Honey Bean switch, which requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams. This difference suggests that typists or gamers who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions might prefer the Botany, while those seeking a more substantial feel could lean towards the Honey Bean. In terms of bottom out force, the Botany reaches 45 grams, indicating a firm sensation when fully pressed down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is currently unknown, leaving a gap in the comparative assessment of the overall typing experience. Therefore, while the Akko Botany is the lighter switch based on its actuation force, the Jerrzi Honey Bean remains heavier and potentially provides a different tactile feedback due to its mystery bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we find that the Botany has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that the Botany offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Honey Bean, with its longer 3.7 mm travel, might provide a more substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile experience. Thus, users who favor a snappier actuation should lean towards the Akko Botany, while those who appreciate a more pronounced key press will likely prefer the Jerrzi Honey Bean.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Botany switches produce a crisp and lively clacky sound that stands out immediately when typing. This auditory feedback can be quite satisfying, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced and active sound profile. The Jerrzi Honey Bean switches, on the other hand, provide a muted, silent operation that minimizes noise without sacrificing a pleasant typing experience. This makes them particularly well-suited for environments like offices or shared spaces, where a discreet sound profile is essential. Although both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences: one being lively and pronounced while the other is soft and unobtrusive.

When it comes to feel, the Botany switches offer a unique typing experience that some enthusiasts find invigorating, characterized by a tactile response that enhances the overall engagement of typing. The Honey Bean switches, in contrast, boast an easy-to-press action that requires minimal force for actuation. This light touch translates into a comfortable and feathery experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue, especially during extended use. While both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, the Akko Botany leans towards an engaging tactile feel, while the Honey Bean emphasizes ease of use and comfort.

In summary, the Akko Botany and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches offer distinctly different auditory and tactile experiences catering to varying user preferences. The Botany provides a lively and engaging sound with a dynamic feel, perfect for those who enjoy feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the Honey Bean focuses on a quieter, more subdued sound profile and an effortless, comfortable touch, ideal for long typing sessions. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their specific needs, whether it be for an expressive typing experience or a more subdued and comfortable environment.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, your choice should largely depend on your specific needs and environment. If you prefer a switch that delivers a more tactile and lively typing experience, characterized by a distinct clacky sound, the Botany is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suitable if you enjoy typing or gaming in a setting where a bit of noise isn't an issue, and you appreciate the tactile feedback that a slightly heavier force provides. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch designed for quiet environments, like an office or shared workspace, the Honey Bean is your go-to option. Its muted operation and extraordinarily light actuation make it perfect for long typing sessions without auditory disruption, significantly reducing finger fatigue. Choosing between these two switches ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile sensation over a quiet, effortless typing experience. Therefore, weigh your environment and personal preferences carefully to pick the one that suits your needs best.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Botany Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more