Outemu Crystal vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal and Jerrzi Honey Bean are two popular options to consider. The Crystal switch is praised for its unique linear typing experience, with a medium-light weight and elastic feel that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch offers a light and linear action that is complemented by its silent operation, making it a great choice for shared workspaces where noise reduction is important. While both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, such as the neutral sound profile of the Crystal and the discreet typing experience of the Honey Bean, it's important to delve deeper into the specifics to determine which switch would best suit your typing preferences."
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, we see a stark contrast in the type of plastic used. The Crystal features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Honey Bean utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This creates a unique auditory experience that differs from the Crystal's clear and sharp tones.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, we see a similar pattern of differences. The Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing mirrors the qualities of its top housing, offering a sharp and crisp sound profile. This consistency in material throughout the switch leads to a cohesive sound experience. Conversely, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing adds to the deeper and more muted sound profile of the switch. This split in housing materials between the top and bottom contributes to a varied sound experience depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key.
Overall, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice between the Outemu Crystal and the Jerrzi Honey Bean ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a sharper, clearer sound profile with the potential for RGB lighting, the Crystal's polycarbonate housing may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more subdued sound experience, the Honey Bean's POM housing would be the better choice. Regardless of which switch you choose, the housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it is evident that the Crystal requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Honey Bean's 42 grams. However, the Crystal also has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown. The Crystal can be considered slightly heavier than the Honey Bean in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal offers a medium-light typing experience, whereas the Honey Bean's typing experience is uncertain due to the lack of information on its bottom out force. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey Bean, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may prefer the Outemu Crystal.
Travel distance
The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Crystal switch falls within the more traditional range of travel distances, offering a slightly deeper key press compared to the Honey Bean switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Honey Bean switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal switch. Both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance for different preferences, with the Honey Bean providing a slightly quicker feel while the Crystal offers a bit more depth in each keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a unique combination of a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, setting it apart from other switches. This can provide a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is characterized by a muted sound, making it a great choice for environments where noise reduction is essential such as in an office setting. Depending on personal preference and the surrounding environment, users can make their choice based on the sound profile that best suits their needs.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can result in a sleek and comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This can help reduce finger fatigue and provide a comfortable typing experience, especially for tasks that require extended periods of typing such as gaming or working.
Overall, both the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. While the Crystal switch may provide a more unique sound profile and a polished feel, the Honey Bean switch offers a quieter typing experience and an easy-to-press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. However, users can expect similar results in terms of linear action from both switches, making them both viable options for those looking for a linear switch option.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you are looking for a unique typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you prioritize a light, silent, and easy-to-press typing feel, especially for shared environments like an office, the Honey Bean switch could be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom-out force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing needs, so choose based on what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.