Kailh Box White vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White and Jerrzi Honey Bean. The Box White switch is a clicky switch that is loved for its maximum audio feedback, producing a sound similar to stepping on autumn leaves and offering a pronounced tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch is a linear switch known for its light and silent operation, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is key. While the Box White switch provides a crisp and crunchy typing experience, the Honey Bean switch offers a feathery and muted feel. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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 Kailh Box White and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches both offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. In contrast, the Honey Bean boasts a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Box White is known for its clear, translucent housing that is ideal for RGB lighting, the Honey Bean's POM housing provides a pleasing and unique sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Box White utilizes nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Similarly, the Honey Bean also uses POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a unique and deep sound that is more muted compared to the Box White. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may impact the overall sound and feel when typing, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Kailh Box White and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work together to create a clear, resonant sound profile with a fuller bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's POM housing combination results in a deeper and more muted sound profile that is unique and pleasing to the user. Overall, whether opting for the Box White or the Honey Bean, users can expect quality and distinct sound profiles based on the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch with 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Box White is the heavier option between the two. The actuation force plays a significant role in determining the typing experience, with some users preferring a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, a heavier actuation force can provide a more substantial typing feel. As both switches have different actuation forces, choosing between the Box White and Honey Bean will depend on personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we can see that the Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Honey Bean has a slightly longer distance to travel compared to the Box White. In terms of responsiveness, the Box White may provide a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's slightly longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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
The Kailh Box White switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, creating an immersive auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. This switch provides a clean and sharp sound for those who enjoy clicky feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch offers a more muted sound, perfect for environments where noise reduction is essential. The Honey Bean switch provides a softer and quieter typing experience, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This polished finish reduces friction and results in smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is known for being easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White switch stands out for its clicky feedback and crunchy sound profile, as well as its polished and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch excels in providing a quiet and effortless typing experience, with its muted sound and light actuation force. Depending on your preference for clicky feedback or silent operation, as well as the level of force you prefer while typing, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Kailh Box White or the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience based on your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for maximum audio feedback and a tactile typing experience, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be the ideal choice for you. The "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch and accented tactility offer a satisfying typing experience for those who enjoy a clicky switch. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silent operation and a light, linear action, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch would be more suitable for you. The Honey Bean switches are perfect for shared environments where minimizing noise is crucial, providing a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, whether you prefer the resonant and crunchy feel of the Box White or the muted and easy-to-press nature of the Honey Bean. Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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