Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Honey Bean offer two distinct approaches to linear typing experiences, each with its unique appeal. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth action and bright sound profile, making it a great choice for gamers and typists who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches cater to those seeking a light, feathery touch with a muted sound—ideal for office settings or shared workspaces where noise reduction is essential. Their silent operation ensures a discreet yet enjoyable typing experience, perfect for environments that prioritize minimal disruption. Both switches present compelling reasons to choose them; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Honey Bean share similarities in their top housing materials, both employing POM (Polyoxymethylene) to produce a distinct auditory experience. POM top housings are noted for generating a pleasing sound profile that leans toward the deeper spectrum and exhibits a relatively muted quality. This acoustic characteristic fosters a unique typing environment that is both engaging and satisfying. Since both switches utilize this same top housing material, users can expect comparable auditory results when typing on either switch, making them ideal for users who prioritize a rich sound experience while maintaining a level of subtlety.
However, the bottom housing materials of the Bumblebee Linear and Honey Bean differ, resulting in varying sound profiles and tactile responses. The Bumblebee Linear features a nylon bottom housing, known for its classic qualities. This nylon construction absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer plastic composition, allowing for a deeper and fuller auditory experience when bottoming out. In contrast, the Honey Bean utilizes a POM bottom housing, similar to its top housing, which ultimately affects its sound signature. While the POM material provides a pleasant sound profile, it does not possess the same sound-dampening characteristics as nylon, resulting in a different tactile experience when users engage with the switch.
Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch leads to unique experiences. In the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, the nylon bottom housing enhances the overall deep and rounded sound profile, accentuating the lows during key presses. Meanwhile, the Jerrzi Honey Bean, with its matching POM configuration for both top and bottom, offers a dual consistency in sound but lacks the acoustic depth that nylon brings. As such, while users can find enjoyment in both switches, the variations in their bottom housings mean that they will experience distinct sound qualities and tactile feedback, allowing for a personalized typing experience depending on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we see differences in their actuation forces, but a significant unknown regarding the bottom out force of the Honey Bean. The Bumblebee Linear features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the lighter 42 grams of the Honey Bean, making the Bumblebee a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, since the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unavailable, we cannot draw a direct comparison there. If the bottom out force were known, it could potentially influence decision-making for those who type extensively or engage in long gaming sessions. Ultimately, if users prefer a lighter switch for extended use, the Honey Bean would be the optimal choice, while the Bumblebee Linear appeals to those who enjoy a firmer feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, the Bumblebee offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean provides a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Bumblebee is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers or users who favor quicker keypress responses. On the other hand, the Honey Bean, with its greater travel distance, may cater to those who appreciate a fuller keystroke experience and a more substantial feel during typing. Overall, while the differences in travel distance are minimal, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch stands out with its bright and engaging sound profile, which can add a lively atmosphere to typing or gaming sessions. This contrast sharply with the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, which is designed for a more muted acoustic experience. The Honey Bean switches provide a softer and quieter sound, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Bumblebee may give off a distinctly audible response, the Honey Bean allows for a discreet typing experience, making it more suitable for shared spaces like offices.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, though specific details about its tactile feedback are not provided. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean offers a light, easy-to-press action that minimizes exertion during typing. It features gentle resistance, which leads to a comfortable and responsive feel, complemented by its feathery touch that further reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This suggests that while the Bumblebee may provide a smooth action, the Honey Bean enhances comfort and ease of use significantly, especially for extended use.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Bumblebee offers a vibrant and bright sound, making it more suitable for a lively setup, while the Honey Bean excels in noise sensitivity and provides a feather-light typing experience. While they share the character of being linear switches, their sound and feel qualities cater to distinct user needs—lively versus discreet. Selecting between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a more engaging auditory feedback or a super comfortable, quiet typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you appreciate a lightweight switch that still provides a tactile feedback with a brighter sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear might be the better fit for you, especially if you enjoy a smooth and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you are working in an office or shared space where minimizing noise is essential, the Honey Bean switch would be ideal due to its muted operation and feathery feel. This switch offers effortless key presses with less strain, making it a perfect choice for long typing sessions. Thus, consider factors such as the desired sound level and the typing dynamics you prefer to help guide your decision between these two switches.