Gateron Box CJ vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Box CJ and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Box CJ and the Jerrzi Honey Bean mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Box CJ is renowned for its swift speed and higher-pitched clacks, ideal for those seeking a rapid response during typing. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches provide a light and linear action with silent operation, making them perfect for environments where noise reduction is essential. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Box CJ and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches differ significantly in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Box CJ features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Honey Bean's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches share a similar characteristic when it comes to the bottom housing material. The Box CJ utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound, while the Honey Bean also employs POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Gateron Box CJ allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. This can be a visually appealing feature for users who enjoy customizing the lighting effects on their keyboards. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Jerrzi Honey Bean may not offer the same level of customization with RGB lighting options. However, the unique sound profile produced by the POM material may be more desirable for users who prioritize sound quality over visual aesthetics in their typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Box CJ and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches may come down to personal preference in sound and visual aesthetics. The Box CJ's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a balance between sharpness and depth in sound, while also offering the option for RGB lighting customization. In contrast, the Honey Bean's POM housing materials provide a more muted and unique sound profile, which may appeal to users looking for a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it's evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gateron Box CJ has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Honey Bean's 42 grams, making the Box CJ slightly heavier. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box CJ requires 57 grams, while the Honey Bean's value is unknown. This makes the Box CJ a more medium-light option, whereas the Honey Bean's bottom out force remains a mystery. The actuation force determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure required to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the preference between a lighter or heavier switch will depend on the individual's typing style and personal preferences during extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron Box CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Box CJ will travel a bit further when pressed down compared to the Honey Bean. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Box CJ being slightly on the longer side and the Honey Bean being on the shorter side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Box CJ. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Box CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box CJ for $5.35.
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
The subjective qualities of the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch differ significantly in both sound and feel. The Box CJ switch is best known for its higher-pitched clacks, making it a clacky switch that produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This creates a distinct typing experience with a crisp and percussive sound profile. Additionally, the Box CJ offers an impossibly smooth push feel, providing typists with a gliding sensation as they type. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch is described as producing a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for shared environments like offices. In terms of feel, the Box CJ switch is characterized as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Honey Bean switch is known for being easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Gateron Box CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch provide contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Box CJ offers a clacky sound and a mild typing feel with smooth push characteristics, the Honey Bean switch produces a muted sound and is easy-to-press with a feathery touch. Depending on personal preferences and the environment in which the keyboard will be used, individuals can choose between the distinct qualities offered by each switch to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, whether opting for the Box CJ or the Honey Bean switch, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Box CJ or Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, you should take into account your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a swift and high-pitched typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Gateron Box CJ would be a great choice, especially if you enjoy a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you seek a light and silent typing experience without a bottom out force, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is ideal, particularly for office or shared environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and where you plan to use the keyboard.
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