TTC Brother vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offer unique experiences for typists seeking different qualities in their keystrokes. The TTC Brother is praised for its lightweight and tactile feel, with a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that appeals to fans of clicky switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean provides a smooth and silent typing experience, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Brother is characterized by its crunchy feedback and easy-to-press actuation, the Honey Bean is known for its feather-light touch and muted operation. 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, ideal for creating a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Honey Bean's POM top housing results in a deeper and relatively more muted sound, offering a unique typing experience. These differences in sound profiles demonstrate how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall feel and performance of the switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Brother's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a different tactile experience compared to the Brother's nylon bottom housing. While both bottom housing materials result in a deeper sound, they each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the TTC Brother and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience with distinct sound profiles. While the Brother features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Honey Bean utilizes POM for both top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for typing sound and feel, as each housing material offers its own unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch with an actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom-out force, making it difficult to directly compare them in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Brother switch would be the better option, as the lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch would cater to those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in actuation force, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the individual's typing style and preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother. The 0.2 mm may not seem like a significant difference, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Brother with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more satisfying key press may lean towards the Honey Bean with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience that caters to individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound signature, resembling stepping on crisp autumn leaves with each satisfying click. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Brother offering a more pronounced and tactile sound, while the Honey Bean delivers a softer and more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Brother clicky switch and the Honey Bean linear switch are described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation. The Brother switch offers a stepped feel, providing a balanced tactile feedback that is noticeable but not overpowering. Conversely, the Honey Bean switch is described as feathery, offering an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches prioritize comfort and responsiveness, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offer distinct yet appealing qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Brother excels in providing a crunchy and tactile typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy a pronounced click with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Honey Bean focuses on delivering a quiet and feather-light typing feel, ideal for those seeking a more subtle and gentle keypress. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the intended environment of use.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a satisfyingly crunchy and tactile typing experience with clear, crisp clicks, the TTC Brother clicky switch is the way to go. Its lightweight nature and perfect balance of tactile feedback make it a top favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and linear action with silent operation for an office or shared environment, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is the perfect choice. Its feathery feel and low actuation force provide a comfortable typing experience ideal for extended use. Ultimately, choose the TTC Brother for a clicky and tactile experience, or opt for the Jerrzi Honey Bean for a light and quiet typing solution.
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