HMX Canglan V2 vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that cater to different preferences and environments. Two notable linear switches in this realm are the HMX Canglan V2 and the Jerrzi Honey Bean. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky linear feel, offering a satisfying deep sound signature along with a smooth and light touch that many HMX fans have been eagerly anticipating. This switch is particularly appealing to those who value a more tactile auditory experience without sacrificing the benefits of linear action. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches excel in their discreet, silent operation, making them ideal for office use or shared workspaces where noise minimization is key. Their easy-to-press nature and feathery touch create a comfortable typing experience that is both enjoyable and unobtrusive. While the Canglan V2 and Honey Bean switches cater to different needs—one prioritizing sound and tactile feedback, while the other emphasizes quietness and lightness—each has its unique appeal. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Jerrzi Honey Bean keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they each utilize different materials for their construction, thereby creating unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Canglan V2 features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. This classic material is known for its ability to dampen sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. As nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound waves, leading to a duller and rounder sound when keys are activated. In contrast, the Honey Bean employs polyoxymethylene (POM) for both the top and bottom housings. While POM is also a durable plastic with sound-dampening properties, it produces a sound that is characterized as unique and pleasing, albeit still muted and deeper.

Despite the inherent differences in materials, both the Canglan V2 and the Honey Bean prioritize sound characteristics that enhance typing experiences. The nylon housings of the Canglan V2 are designed to forge a particular sound profile that is full and resonant. On the other hand, the POM housings used in the Honey Bean create an equally full-bodied sound but with its own distinct qualities. This offers an intriguing contrast—the Canglan V2 leans into a more traditional sound, while the Honey Bean has a modern twist. However, both options ultimately deliver a deeper and more contained sound, making them suitable choices for individuals who prefer a muted auditory feedback when typing.

The debate over the performance of nylon versus POM ultimately centers on personal preference regarding the feel and sound. While the Canglan V2's nylon housing excels in providing a classic feel and sound profile, the Honey Bean's POM housing delivers a modern and nuanced auditory experience. If you were to use both switches, you'll find that both provide satisfying sound profiles when typing. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly noticeable when bottoming out, with the textured feel of both materials contributing to an overall familiar experience. Regardless of the material used, both the Canglan V2 and the Honey Bean promise similar results in their deeper, fuller sound profiles, rendering them appealing choices in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 42 grams, indicating that they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Canglan V2 is 48 grams, providing a distinct tactile feedback when fully pressed, while the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is not specified. This means that the Canglan V2 allows users to experience a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, which some may prefer for more deliberate typing or gaming interactions. Additionally, since both switches share the same actuation force, users can expect a similarly light feel during normal typing; however, due to the unknown bottom out force of the Honey Bean, it's challenging to determine how it may perform under full compression compared to the Canglan V2. Overall, the Canglan V2 is a slightly heavier switch due to its bottom out force, while the Honey Bean is lighter overall since its bottom out force is undetermined, catering to different user preferences based on weight and feedback.

Travel distance

The HMX Canglan V2 linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Canglan V2 provides a more responsive feel, making it a favorable option for gamers who favor quicker key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the Honey Bean, with its 3.7 mm travel, offers a deeper typing experience which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback while typing. Thus, if you're looking for a shorter and more rapid response, the Canglan V2 is the better choice, while the Honey Bean caters to those who appreciate a deeper key travel with its longer distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Canglan V2 switch is characterized by a deep, thocky resonance that enthusiasts have come to appreciate. This rich sound signature adds a satisfying auditory feedback that is distinctive among linear switches, enhancing the overall experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is designed for silent operation, producing a muted sound that minimizes the mechanical noise typically associated with keyboards. This makes it ideal for use in shared spaces or office environments where reducing sound is paramount. Ultimately, if you prefer a more sonorous typing experience, the Canglan V2 offers a robust auditory experience, while the Honey Bean provides a more subdued and noiseless encounter.

When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its smooth and light actuation, resembling the effortless press preferred by many keyboard users. This allows for fluid typing and a delightful sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches are notably easy to press, characterized by gentle resistance and feathery lightness. These attributes significantly decrease finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, offering a responsive and low-impact experience. While both switches provide a lightweight typing feel, the Canglan V2 emphasizes smoothness with a bit more depth, while the Honey Bean focuses on minimizing exertion for maximum comfort.

In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 and Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches serve different preferences and use cases. The Canglan V2 excels with its thocky sound and smooth actuation, making it suitable for gamers and enthusiasts who enjoy a richer auditory experience. In contrast, the Honey Bean offers a muted sound and feathery touch, perfectly catering to office usage or any environment where sound control is essential. Depending on your priorities—whether it's a deep sound or a quiet, comfortable feel—both switches can provide a satisfying experience, but with distinct characteristics that cater to different desires.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches largely depends on your specific needs and environment. If you prefer a switch that offers a thocky sound with a smooth and light feel, the Canglan V2 is ideal, especially if you enjoy the tactile feedback during both typing and gaming. Its 48g bottom-out force strikes a great balance between providing a satisfying typing experience and ensuring comfort, making it suitable for both work and play scenarios. On the other hand, if you are looking for an exceptionally quiet switch that is easy on the fingers, the Honey Bean is your best bet. Its muted sound profile and feathery actuation make it perfect for shared spaces like offices, where noise reduction is essential. Overall, your choice should be guided by whether you value the enhanced auditory experience of the Canglan V2 or the ultra-quiet, effortless typing experience offered by the Honey Bean.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more