Gateron CJ vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Jerrzi Honey Bean stand out for their unique characteristics. The Gateron CJ is praised for its smooth and higher-pitched clacks, offering a unique experience for users who enjoy a 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', and 'Mild' typing feel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean is favored for its light and silent operation, making it perfect for office or shared environments where noise reduction is key. With categories like 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Honey Bean provides a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths and appeal, it is important to delve deeper into the specific features and qualities of each switch to determine which one best suits your preferences and needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, it is evident that they both utilize POM material for their bottom housing, providing an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This similarity suggests that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the differences lie in the top housing material, with the CJ featuring a proprietary INK blend that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile described as clacky, while the Honey Bean's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Gateron CJ's top housing material of proprietary INK blend delivers a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which contrasts with the Jerrzi Honey Bean's POM top housing that offers a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profiles can impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific type of sound feedback. Additionally, while the bottom housings of both switches share the same material of POM, it is crucial to note that the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, thus influencing the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron CJ and Jerrzi Honey Bean housing materials largely depends on personal preference regarding sound profiles. Those who prefer a clacky and higher-pitched sound may gravitate towards the CJ with its proprietary INK blend top housing, while individuals who prefer a deeper and more muted sound profile may find the POM top housing of the Honey Bean more appealing. Regardless of these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the utilization of POM material in their bottom housing, providing a pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side.
Weight
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams, making the Honey Bean the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the CJ requires 60 grams of force, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to the variation in actuation and bottom out forces. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Honey Bean more suitable for longer typing sessions, while users who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the CJ switch for a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Honey Bean switch slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the CJ switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the CJ being on the longer side and the Honey Bean being on the shorter side. Gamers who seek faster response times may prefer the Honey Bean switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel may lean towards the CJ switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 Gateron CJ linear switch offers a unique chirpy or higher-pitched clack, setting them apart from other switches. This distinct sound may appeal to those looking for a switch with a bit of character. In comparison, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch provides a muted and quieter typing experience, making it ideal for shared spaces where noise reduction is important. The Honey Bean switch's silent operation could be beneficial for office environments or for those who prefer a more subtle typing noise. Ultimately, the sound of each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as offering a smooth and mild typing experience, suitable for a wide range of users. The moderate actuation force requirement of the CJ switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, providing an approachable feel for most typists. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is characterized by an easy-to-press and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it comfortable for various activities like gaming, schoolwork, or office tasks.
Overall, while the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences. If you enjoy a higher-pitched clack and smoother push feel, the Gateron CJ switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a light and easy-to-press feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch could be more suitable. Keep in mind that both switches have their unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a unique higher-pitched clack sound with a smooth push feel, the CJ switch may be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and silent typing experience, with easy-to-press switches that reduce finger fatigue, the Honey Bean switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider how these factors align with your typing style and environment to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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