Kailh Box Navy vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. If you value a heavy typing experience with a loud and tactile clicky sound, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and quiet linear action for a more discreet typing experience, the Honey Bean switches are the better choice. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences. 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Box Navy's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant quality, while the Honey Bean's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Box Navy allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the auditory experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Honey Bean provides a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
Moving to the bottom housings, the nylon material in the Box Navy contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the typing experience. Similarly, the POM bottom housing in the Honey Bean also leads to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with the overall character of the switch. While both switches have different bottom housing materials, they both aim to enhance the tactile and auditory feedback during key presses.
With the combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches, users can experience a nuanced typing experience that incorporates the unique qualities of each material. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during key presses, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing plays a role in the sound produced when releasing a key, further enhancing the overall auditory experience. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Kailh Box Navy and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches, both aim to provide users with a satisfying and distinctive typing sensation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it is evident that the Box Navy is heavier in both aspects. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, indicating a significant amount of force needed to activate the switch and fully press it down. On the other hand, the Honey Bean is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams. The bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unknown, which may suggest that it requires less force to fully press down compared to the Box Navy. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey Bean, while those who prefer a more substantial and forceful typing feel may opt for the Box Navy. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Kailh Box Navy, while individuals who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate press may prefer the Jerrzi Honey Bean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Box Navy comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, producing a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp, reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch provides a muted and quiet typing experience, perfect for shared environments where noise levels need to be minimized. While the Box Navy switch is more immersive and attention-grabbing in terms of sound, the Honey Bean switch provides a discreet and satisfying typing experience without disturbing others.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch offers a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback, with a prominent tactile bump and firm actuation force that creates an immersive typing sensation. On the contrary, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The light actuation force of the Honey Bean switch enhances the overall typing experience by providing a responsive and comfortable feel, while the Box Navy switch offers a more intense and tactile typing experience that may require more effort from the user.
In conclusion, if you prefer a heavy and tactile typing experience with a sharper sound profile, the Kailh Box Navy switch is the way to go. However, if you value a light and effortless typing experience with minimal noise output, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile, the Kailh Box Navy switches would be an ideal choice for you. Their vintage-inspired feel and strong tactile feedback make them a great option for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and linear switch that is silent and perfect for shared environments like offices, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches would be a better fit for you. Their easy-to-press nature and feathery feel provide a comfortable typing experience with minimal noise. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound profile.
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