HC Studio Crabapple vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, both of which are linear switches. The Crabapple, crafted entirely from POM, offers an effortlessly frictionless typing experience with a dry smoothness and subtle texture felt with each keystroke. Its sound signature is mild and understated, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches provide a light and linear action that is easy to press, making them ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is key. While the Crabapple excels in providing a textured typing journey, the Honey Bean boasts a feathery and muted 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Honey Bean utilize POM material for their top and bottom housings, resulting in a similar sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. This material choice contributes to an incredibly pleasing and unique sound for both switches. The top housing in both switches has a significant impact on the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
In terms of housing materials, the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Honey Bean share a commonality in utilizing POM for both their top and bottom housings. This results in a consistent sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and carries a relatively more muted tone. The qualities brought by the POM material are evenly distributed between the top and bottom housings, with each impacting different aspects of the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While both the HC Studio Crabapple and the Jerrzi Honey Bean feature POM material for their housing, each switch may offer a unique feel and sound due to the specific design and construction of their top and bottom housings. The POM top housing may have subtle differences in how it affects the sound when a key is released, while the POM bottom housing may vary in its impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Ultimately, while both switches share a similar material choice, the specific design elements of each switch will contribute to any nuanced differences in their performance.
Weight
The HC Studio Crabapple linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. The Crabapple switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Honey Bean switch. This makes the Crabapple switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Honey Bean switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Crabapple offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a quick and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may offer a more substantial and satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Crabapple has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Crabapple for $4.70.
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
Sound-wise, the Crabapple linear switch offers a subdued typing experience, with a dampened sound that is not completely silent but notably more subtle compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is described as producing a muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for shared environments where noise reduction is essential. Both switches excel in offering discreet sound profiles, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without disturbing others.
When it comes to feel, the Crabapple switch provides a frictionless typing journey, offering an effortlessly smooth and fluid travel with minimal resistance or friction. Additionally, it offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. The subtle texture felt with each downstroke adds to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is designed to be easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This feathery switch is exceptionally light to press, providing a comfortable typing experience suitable for various activities.
In conclusion, while the Crabapple and Honey Bean linear switches differ slightly in their sound and feel attributes, both offer excellent qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Crabapple is known for its frictionless and textured feel, coupled with a subdued sound signature, making it a solid choice for those seeking a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean excels in providing an easy-to-press and feathery feel, paired with a muted sound that is perfect for environments where noise reduction is crucial. Depending on personal preferences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch, ensuring that their mechanical keyboard setup meets their specific requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Crabapple linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing journey with a mild and understated sound, the Crabapple switches crafted from POM are the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a light and linear action with silent operation for a discreet typing experience, the Honey Bean switches are the perfect choice, especially in shared environments where noise reduction is crucial. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a frictionless and textured feel or an easy-to-press and feathery touch. Both switches offer unique advantages, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and environment.
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