Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders in the linear switch category are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Honey Bean. The Chiikawa - 45g stands out with its very light actuation force and vibrant sound profile, offering a crisp, high-pitched sound that provides a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. This switch may appeal to users who prioritize keystroke feedback and auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the Honey Bean excels in its silent operation and delightful, light linear action, making it an ideal choice for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is essential. With its "easy-to-press" and "feathery" characteristics, the Honey Bean delivers a muted yet pleasing feel under the fingers, perfect for those who prefer a quiet workspace without sacrificing tactile enjoyment. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, we see distinct differences in the choices for the top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g uses polycarbonate, known for its durability and stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that can be enhanced with RGB lighting due to its translucence. In contrast, the Honey Bean is crafted with POM for its top housing, resulting in a sound that is deeper and relatively muted. This difference suggests that, while the Chiikawa may provide a crisper audio experience, the Honey Bean offers a sound that might be seen as more subdued and textured, ideal for those who prefer a less aggressive auditory feedback.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a different layer of comparison. The Chiikawa employs a nylon bottom housing, which is well-regarded for enhancing sound depth and creating a fuller auditory experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean utilizes POM for its bottom housing as well, which also produces a unique sound profile that is deeper and muted. Although both switches are designed with different materials for their top housings, the nylon in the Chiikawa might produce a slightly rounder and richer sound due to its sound-absorbing properties, while the POM in the Honey Bean offers a similar muted quality that aligns well with its top housing characteristics.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the switch designs results in unique sound profiles where the top and bottom housings contribute differently. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a balance of sharpness and depth, while the Honey Bean, with both top and bottom made of POM, emphasizes a more consistent muted sound throughout. Both designs provide distinct tactile and auditory experiences, yet share a common thread in their pursuit of sound engineering, allowing enthusiasts to achieve comparable results in terms of feel, even if the individual sound profiles vary widely. Thus, those seeking a particular typing experience should consider how the distinct characteristics interplay to fulfill their preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, but its bottom out force remains unspecified. This means that while the Chiikawa requires a bit more force to actuate and bottom out, users of the Honey Bean can expect a lighter typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Honey Bean for longer typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial feel might appreciate the added resistance of the Chiikawa when bottoming out. However, without the bottom out force for the Honey Bean, one cannot fully assess how it compares in terms of overall typing experience. Consequently, if users are looking for a less strenuous typing experience, the Honey Bean is the lighter choice, whereas the Chiikawa offers a heavier touch for a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. The difference in travel distance, though minimal, suggests that users may experience a marginally deeper feel with the Honey Bean switch. For those who prioritize responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience, the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance may provide quicker actuation and thereby a faster response time. Conversely, users who favor a more pronounced keypress may prefer the Honey Bean, as its longer travel distance offers a more pronounced feedback. Overall, while both switches offer relatively close travel distances, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch stands out with its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone during keystrokes. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch presents a significantly muted sound. Its quiet operation minimizes the typical clacks associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise control is essential. The contrast between the vibrant sound of the Chiikawa and the subdued nature of the Honey Bean creates two distinct auditory experiences for the user.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, promoting a responsive touch that many find enjoyable. However, the exact feel of this switch in terms of tactile feedback is not specified. In comparison, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches further enhance the typing experience with their easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation, which eliminates finger fatigue over long typing sessions. Their feathery touch adds to their comfort, allowing for effortless key presses that contribute to an overall pleasant typing experience. While the specifics of the Chiikawa feel remain ambiguous, both switches aim to offer a light and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, if you're considering the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches, both provide light actuation forces that minimize finger fatigue, though they differ in sound characteristics. The Chiikawa offers a cheerful and bright auditory feedback, while the Honey Bean focuses on a more contained and muted sound, perfect for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced sound profile or the discretion of a muted experience, but either way, both switches are designed to enhance your typing comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch ultimately depends on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you thrive in a lively setting and enjoy the sensation of responsive key presses coupled with an upbeat sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force and crisp auditory feedback make it perfect for those who appreciate an engaging and tactile typing experience, whether for gaming or casual use. However, if you find yourself often typing in quiet spaces, such as an office or shared room, the Honey Bean switch would serve you better with its muted sound and feather-light action. This switch minimizes noise while ensuring your typing remains effortless, helping to reduce fatigue during lengthy sessions. In essence, if you prioritize sound and feedback, go for the Chiikawa - 45g; but if a tranquil typing experience with gentle resistance is your aim, the Honey Bean is the way to go.
Mentioned in this article
