Durock Daybreak vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and the Jerrzi Honey Bean are two linear switch options that cater to different preferences while ensuring a quiet typing experience. The Durock Daybreak switches stand out with their solid 67g actuation force, providing a heftier feel that many users appreciate for its tactile presence—a perfect choice for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches offer a delightful, light touch with their easy-to-press design, ideal for users seeking a feathery feel while still benefiting from silent operation. Both switches excel in environments where noise reduction is a priority, yet they appeal to distinct typing styles; one focuses on weighty feedback while the other emphasizes a lighter touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Daybreak Linear

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Daybreak and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics. The Daybreak's polycarbonate top housing is known for producing a higher-pitched, crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of the plastic, which allows for a clear resonation, especially beneficial when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Honey Bean's POM top housing results in a deeper, more muted sound profile. This difference in material composition affects not only the auditory experience but also the visual appeal of the switches; polycarbonate's translucency stands to enhance the visual dynamics of RGB lighting much more effectively than POM can.

While the top housings differ, the bottom housings of the Daybreak and Honey Bean switches share an interesting similarity. The Daybreak's nylon bottom housing is designed to create a fuller, deeper sound, recognizing that its softer properties absorb sound more than harder plastics. Similarly, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing offers a pleasing muted sound quality that is also deeper. Both materials contribute to a sound profile that is rounded and less sharp, emphasizing the unique aural characteristics they offer. Therefore, when pressing a key, both switches will deliver a satisfying bottom-out experience, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of both nylon and POM.

Ultimately, the interplay between the varying top and bottom housing materials in both switch designs affects the overall experience of each switch. Users of the Durock Daybreak will appreciate the bright clarity of the polycarbonate top paired with the fuller nylon bottom, while users of the Jerrzi Honey Bean will enjoy a more subdued sound due to both the POM top and bottom materials. The differing top materials lead to unique auditory experiences during typing, reflecting the balance of properties in their respective housings. However, since both switches incorporate sound-absorbing materials in their bottom housings, enthusiasts can expect enjoyable keypress sensations and a pleasing user experience regardless of their choice between the two.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces present a clear distinction in terms of their tactile profiles. The Daybreak features an unspecified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams; however, its bottom out force is unknown. This leads to a scenario where typists and gamers favoring lighter switches might prefer the Jerrzi Honey Bean for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lower actuation force. Meanwhile, users who enjoy a more substantial feel may lean toward the Durock Daybreak, particularly for the tactile feedback offered when bottoming out. Thus, while both switches exhibit different characteristics, the Daybreak may be perceived as the heavier option, primarily due to the reported bottom out force, while the Honey Bean is lighter, especially in terms of its actuation requirement.

Travel distance

The Durock Daybreak linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This slight difference suggests that the Daybreak switch offers a more pronounced keypress experience, which may be preferred by users who enjoy the sensation of deeper travel. Conversely, the Honey Bean's shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, making it more suited for gamers seeking quick actuation. Users who favor a more abrupt feel may gravitate towards the Honey Bean, while those who appreciate a fuller keypress may opt for the Daybreak. Overall, while both switches have relatively similar travel distances, the Daybreak is the longer option, whereas the Honey Bean caters to those who prefer a shorter response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, both the Durock Daybreak and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are characterized by their muted operation, making them particularly well-suited for quiet environments. The Daybreak, while also muted, possesses a low-pitched sound that offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can create a more refined auditory experience. The Honey Bean switches share the muted quality but do not have the additional low-pitched characteristic described for the Daybreak. Consequently, while both options ensure a discreet typing experience, the Daybreak provides a slightly richer sound profile, thanks to its low-pitched nature.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Daybreak stands out with a polished finish that promotes a smooth and refined typing experience, likely due to its heavier actuation force of 67g. This smoothness results in reduced friction, making every keystroke feel seamless and satisfying. In contrast, the Honey Bean switches are designed to be easy to press, providing a gentle resistance that demands minimal effort to activate. This characteristic allows for a notably comfortable typing experience, akin to the sensation of a feathery touch. With its light actuation, the Honey Bean may excel in prolonged usage, as it significantly reduces finger fatigue compared to the heftiness of the Daybreak.

In summary, both the Durock Daybreak and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches offer a quiet typing experience that is ideal for shared workspaces or personal use where noise is a concern. However, they diverge in their tactile experience, with the Daybreak providing a polished and heftier feel versus the light and effortless touch of the Honey Bean. Thus, when choosing between them, your preference for typing weight and feel will heavily influence your decision, as both options guarantee a muted sound experience while delivering different tactile sensations.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Daybreak and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard. The Daybreak switches, with their medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams, cater to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience and prefer a robust typing feel. They are ideal for users who may enjoy the sensation of typing with a bit more resistance and are working in quieter settings where a muted, low-pitched sound is beneficial. On the other hand, if you seek an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience, the Honey Bean switches stand out as a fantastic choice. Their feathery touch minimizes finger fatigue, making them perfect for extended use during typing, gaming, or programming. Furthermore, their muted operation aligns well with environments demanding low noise, allowing you to type quietly without sacrificing comfort. In summary, your choice will hinge on whether you crave a more weighted feel or prefer a lighter, more responsive touch for your daily tasks.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more