Bsun Cliff vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the contrasts between the Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Honey Bean highlight the diverse preferences that typists may have. The Bsun Cliff is a tactile switch known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing an invigorating typing experience that appeals to those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean features a linear action that is both delightful and light, designed to excel in quiet environments where minimizing noise is essential. Its muted performance makes it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces. While the Cliff excels in delivering tactile satisfaction, the Honey Bean prioritizes silent efficiency, appealing to different needs and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches, it becomes evident that both switches employ different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound it produces. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it particularly attractive for users who enjoy a more vibrant typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean utilizes a POM top housing. POM is known for creating a deeper and more muted sound, resulting in a unique acoustic signature that differs from the clarity offered by polycarbonate. While both materials offer their own aesthetic appeal—polycarbonate with its translucency, ideal for RGB lighting, and POM’s subtle appeal—the sound characteristics distinctly set them apart.
When considering the bottom housings of these switches, the Bsun Cliff incorporates a nylon material, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean employs POM again. Nylon, a classic choice in switch design, contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively. This quality leads to a rounder and duller sound that is more pronounced with each keyboard stroke. On the other hand, the POM used in the Honey Bean's bottom housing maintains the deeper and muted sound profile characteristic of the top housing, producing a harmoniously cohesive acoustic experience. Despite their different top materials, both switches benefit from a deeper sound signature at the low end due to their respective housing materials, highlighting how the bottom housing can influence the overall audio experience.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Honey Bean illustrates the complexity of sound profiles in mechanical switches. While the Cliff's polycarbonate top brings a clear and resonant quality to the mix, the nylon bottom housing ensures a fuller sound, creating a balanced auditory experience during use. Conversely, the Jerrzi Honey Bean's POM top and bottom result in a uniformed, muted sound that appeals to users seeking a unique auditory presence. The interaction of top and bottom housing materials means that each switch conveys distinct acoustic properties, thus providing the user with a differentiated typing experience that is advantageous for specific preferences in auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Honey Bean has a marginally heavier actuation force of 42 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Cliff is 45 grams, which means it requires a bit more pressure before it reaches the end of its travel. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean remains unknown, which prevents a direct comparison. However, the heavier actuation of the Honey Bean suggests that, depending on its undisclosed bottom out force, it could provide a different tactile feedback experience compared to the lighter and more forgiving Cliff switch. Overall, users seeking a lighter feel would gravitate towards the Bsun Cliff, while those who prefer a stronger actuation might find the Jerrzi Honey Bean more suited to their tastes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we find that the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean extends slightly further at 3.7 mm. This makes the Bsun Cliff the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that may be favorable for gamers seeking an efficient keystroke. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean's longer distance offers a more robust feel, which some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Although the difference in travel distance is minimal, those who lean towards a more tactile and deeper key press might find the Honey Bean more appealing, while those looking for speed and quick action may opt for the Cliff.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a crisp sound signature that adds a vibrant auditory element to your typing experience. This makes it a more pronounced option compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, which is characterized by its muted operation. The Honey Bean is designed to minimize noise, making it a suitable choice for environments where quietness is essential, such as offices. While the Cliff produces a more audible response that can be satisfying for some users, the Honey Bean's less conspicuous sound profile caters to those who prefer discretion in their mechanical keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers an invigorating typing experience characterized by medium tactility and pronounced feedback. This means that typists can expect a snappy and reactive response, creating an immersive experience suited for both casual typing and more intensive tasks. In contrast, the Honey Bean linear switch provides an effortless experience with its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to activate. This gentle resistance results in a feathery feel, significantly reducing finger fatigue during extended use. While the Cliff offers a more engaging tactile feel ideal for those who appreciate feedback, the Honey Bean excels in comfort and ease of use, making it particularly beneficial for long hours of typing.
Overall, both the Bsun Cliff and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Cliff's crisp and engaging sound coupled with its invigorating tactile feedback makes it a great fit for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. Conversely, the Honey Bean's muted sound and light actuation are perfect for those who prioritize silence and comfort. Depending on your typing habits and environment, you might gravitate towards one over the other, highlighting the varied landscape of mechanical keyboard switches available to enhance your experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you appreciate tactile feedback and a pronounced typing experience, the Cliff switch stands out with its medium tactility and invigorating feel, making it ideal for typing tasks where you want to feel each keystroke clearly. Its light actuation force of 45 grams provides a snappy response that can enhance your typing speed and accuracy. However, if you find yourself in a shared environment or require a quieter setup, the Honey Bean linear switch excels with its muted, silent operation. It offers a feathery, easy-to-press experience, allowing you to type effortlessly for long periods without triggering noise that might disturb others around you. Essentially, if you want feedback and a satisfying sound while typing, the Cliff switch is your go-to option. Conversely, for those prioritizing a smooth, silent touch that reduces finger fatigue, the Honey Bean switch is the ideal choice. Thus, understanding your typing style, environment, and comfort needs will guide you in selecting the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard experience.