Keygeek Briny vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Honey Bean each bring their unique characteristics to the table, catering to different preferences and environments. The Briny, crafted with a UPE stem and a pure PA66 bottom housing, is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pleasing auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches provide a delightful, light, and linear action, combined with virtually silent operation that is ideal for office settings or shared spaces, where minimizing noise is essential. While the Briny excels in delivering a satisfying sound alongside its smooth keystrokes, the Honey Bean shines in situations where discretion is key, offering a muted yet enjoyable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, there are notable differences, specifically in the types of plastics used for their constructions. The Briny employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing, a material known for its sound-absorbing properties that result in a deeper, fuller auditory experience when typing. This quality is attributed to nylon's relatively softer nature, which contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Honey Bean utilizes polyoxymethylene (POM) for its housing, which is celebrated for producing a unique and pleasing acoustical output. POM provides a sound that is similarly deep yet tends to be more muted in comparison, indicating a distinct sound texture that differs from the Briny's nylon.

Despite these differences, both switches are designed to offer satisfying auditory experiences, albeit in slightly different manners. The nylon of the Briny may produce a fuller and slightly richer sound on key release, while the POM housing of the Honey Bean is engineered to create a less pronounced but still enjoyable output. This divergence in sound characteristics highlights how the materials influence the user experience, especially during the act of typing. The Briny's nylon may resonate more with those who prefer a pronounced auditory feedback, whereas the Honey Bean's POM might appeal to users seeking something unique yet subtly refined.

It's also essential to recognize that individual characteristics of these materials manifest in their effects on typing feel and sound. The Briny's nylon construction brings a softer touch and a dampened bottom-out sound, allowing for a richer acoustic experience during key presses. In contrast, the Honey Bean's POM housing, while still maintaining some sound dampening, suggests a unique blend that defines its sound profile. If one were to amalgamate the qualities of both, the result would likely yield a sound signature that merges the depth of the Briny's nylon with the muted clarity of the Honey Bean's POM. In essence, while the two materials yield different signatures, they can both be engineered to offer complementary sound profiles that delight keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This difference makes the Briny heavier, offering a more substantial typing experience that can be preferable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the lighter actuation force of the Honey Bean may allow for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Regarding bottom out forces, the Briny's is 60 grams, providing a clear indication of the pressure required to press the key all the way down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unavailable, making direct comparisons on that metric impossible. Overall, users seeking less strain during extended use may prefer the lighter Honey Bean, while those who favor a more tactile feedback may gravitate towards the slightly heavier Briny.

Travel distance

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch exhibit differences in travel distance, which can significantly impact user experience. The Briny has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Briny switch offers a more responsive feel, making it an appealing option for gamers who value quick response times. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's longer travel distance might be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, providing a sense of depth that can enhance the typing experience. Thus, while both switches are closer to the lower end of the travel distance spectrum and cater to users who favor shorter distances, the Honey Bean is the longer option, whereas the Briny stands as the shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Keygeek Briny linear switch leans toward a balanced quality, likely producing a pleasing auditory experience that isn't overly harsh or clacky, appealing to those who value both noise control and a satisfying sound while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch features a muted sound, designed specifically to minimize noise levels, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments, such as offices or shared spaces. The Honey Bean's silent operation means that while typing, the sound produced is softer, further enhancing the serene atmosphere for those around, making it preferable if discretion is a top priority.

When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Briny’s specific tactile characteristics are not clearly defined in the available information. However, the Honey Bean switches are noted for their easy-to-press action and feathery lightness, allowing for effortless key pushes that reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This attribute of the Honey Bean suggests a very comfortable experience, particularly beneficial for users who engage in extensive typing or gaming. The light actuation force feels responsive and accommodating, creating a smooth typing experience that many newcomers will appreciate.

In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny switch promises a balanced sound profile, ideal for general typing enjoyment, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch excels in quiet operation and an incredibly user-friendly feel with its easy press and light actuation. If you prioritize a quiet environment and comfort in your typing sessions, the Honey Bean is likely your best choice. However, both switches have qualities that can cater to different preferences, making either a solid option depending on your specific needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams that offers a balanced sound profile, the Briny is an excellent choice for you. It's ideal if you're looking for a more traditional typing experience while still enjoying a relatively quiet operation compared to other switches. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and effortless key press with a muted sound, the Honey Bean switches will excel in office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Their easy-to-press, feathery feel can significantly enhance your comfort during long typing sessions, making them suitable for both work and casual use. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by the balance of sound, feel, and how you plan to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more