Gateron CM vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CM and the Jerrzi Honey Bean mechanical keyboard switches, we see two distinct choices with unique features. The Gateron CM stands out for its full nylon housing, which sets it apart from the standard polycarbonate housings commonly found in other switches. This design choice not only enhances the sound signature, providing a richer and deeper tone but also contributes to a smoother typing experience thanks to the impeccable factory lube job. With its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM offers a bouncy typing feel that is both satisfying and unique. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are praised for their light and linear action, combined with silent operation, making them perfect for office or shared environments where noise reduction is key. This switch provides an easy-to-press feel with a muted sound profile, offering a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The CM switch features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch uses a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron CM and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches also differ in their material choices. The CM switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which complements the top housing in creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's ability to absorb sound leads to a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Conversely, the Honey Bean switch features a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the overall unique sound profile of the switch. The POM material adds to the deeper sound profile and overall muted sound of the Honey Bean switch.
While the Gateron CM and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. The nylon and POM materials used in the switches each bring their own qualities to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound of the CM switch's nylon housing or the unique and muted sound of the Honey Bean switch's POM housing, both switches offer a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron CM linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch with 42 grams. This means that the CM requires more force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron CM switch also has a heavier force of 63.5 grams, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch has an unknown bottom out force. The CM switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch's lighter actuation force may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference between the two is minimal, with the Honey Bean having a slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. Choosing between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Honey Bean offering a slightly deeper key press compared to the CM. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth for users to enjoy.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM linear switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep and rich tone during key presses. This sound signature is enhanced by the full nylon housing of the CM switch, providing a unique typing experience that resonates with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes the Honey Bean switches ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial, providing a discreet yet satisfying typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, all contributing to a smooth and effortless typing experience. The factory lube job on the CM switches ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, allowing for a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the contrary, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for being easy-to-press and feathery, offering gentle resistance and a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel that is comfortable for various uses such as gaming, school, or work.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a deeper, richer sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, the Gateron CM switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with easy-to-press and feathery switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch would be more appropriate. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your specific preferences for sound and feel, but both options provide high-quality performance that can enhance your typing journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Gateron CM linear switch or the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a bouncy feel and a deeper, bassy sound profile, the Gateron CM switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a light and linear action with silent operation, perfect for minimizing noise in shared environments, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual needs.
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