HMX Deep Navy vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Honey Bean each offer unique attributes that can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Deep Navy switch is renowned for its rich, sharp sound profile, attributed to its full nylon construction and the silky smooth Ly stem, making it a fantastic option for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a luxurious feel with every keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is designed for a more muted experience, characterized by its easy-to-press, feathery action, which delivers a delightfully smooth and silent operation—ideal for office settings or closely shared workspaces where noise reduction is vital. While both switches are linear, providing a seamless key press without the tactile bump, the Deep Navy aims to satisfy the auditory and tactile senses, whereas the Honey Bean focuses on discretion and ease of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Honey Bean create distinct sound profiles that affect the overall typing experience. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, which is recognized as a classic switch material. This choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs sound, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Honey Bean employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is also known for producing a pleasing sound quality but has its own unique characteristics. While the Honey Bean's sound profile is described as muted, it remains on the deeper side, similar to the Deep Navy, but with subtle tonal differences that can be discerned during use.

When both switches are pressed, the qualities of their housing materials significantly influence the tactile and auditory feedback experienced by the typist. The Deep Navy's nylon construction is intended to provide consistent sound dampening and plush feedback, creating a uniform feel throughout the keypress. In contrast, the Honey Bean's POM is designed to offer a pleasing and enjoyable experience, albeit with a different texture and sound output that might appeal to users looking for a distinctive typing sensation. Both materials manage to create a deeper and fuller effect, but the differences in sound quality and feedback will result in varied user preferences.

In summary, while the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Honey Bean display contrasting housing materials—nylon versus POM—they yield similar deeper sound profiles that can satisfy various typing preferences. Each switch's unique characteristics, arising from their different housing materials, influence how sound is generated during keypresses, particularly at the key's bottoming out and release. As a result, users may find that switching between the two allows for an equally satisfying typing experience, even if the specific auditory experiences differ slightly. Thus, whether users choose nylon or POM, they can expect an enjoyable depth to their typing experience while appreciating the subtle nuances each material presents.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics. The HMX Deep Navy has a light actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, but its bottom out force remains unknown. This uncertainty makes it difficult to fully assess the Honey Bean's performance in terms of typing feedback. If the bottom out force of the Honey Bean were to match or be close to the Deep Navy's 45 grams, users might experience a similar typing dynamic; however, the heavier actuation force suggests it could provide a more substantial push feel. Consequently, the HMX Deep Navy is the lighter option, appealing to those favoring ease of use, while the uncertainty of the Honey Bean's bottom out force leaves its overall typing experience somewhat ambiguous.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it becomes clear that the Deep Navy offers a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean provides a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This minimal difference highlights a slight preference for the Deep Navy for those seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are generally favored by gamers for enhanced performance. On the other hand, the Honey Bean, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press, offering a heartier feel that some may find more comfortable. Overall, while the difference is minor, it reflects the ongoing trend towards shorter switches versus the traditional feel, allowing users to select based on personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp resonance, thanks to its full nylon construction. This crafting choice contributes to a pleasant auditory experience that many users find engaging while they type. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted sound profile that is particularly advantageous in environments where low noise levels are essential, such as offices or shared spaces. The Honey Bean's silent operation allows for discreet use, making it a more unobtrusive option for those sensitive to sound or who wish to avoid disrupting others around them.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy switch seems to elevate the tactile experience with its silky smoothness, providing a satisfying response to user input. The Jerrzi Honey Bean, on the other hand, excels in offering an exceptionally light and easy-to-press action, which requires minimal force to actuate. This quality enhances comfort, as the gentle resistance reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The Honey Bean's feathery touch further contributes to its user-friendly feel, making it an excellent choice for extended use in any context, whether it be gaming, academic work, or everyday typing.

Overall, both the HMX Deep Navy and Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy offers a more engaging sound with notable richness, perfect for those who seek an auditory complement to their typing experience, while the Honey Bean prioritizes silent operation and a notably light tactile feel. Whether choosing based on sound or feel, users can expect satisfactory performance tailored to their respective needs, ensuring a fulfilling mechanical keyboard experience regardless of the selection.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a tactile and responsive typing experience with notable auditory feedback, the Deep Navy is an excellent choice, especially for creating that classic mechanical keyboard sound. Its lighter 45-gram actuation force allows for smooth keystrokes, making it ideal for those who often engage in fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, if your primary concern is maintaining a quiet environment, especially in shared spaces like offices or classrooms, the Honey Bean switches are designed to minimize noise with their muted operation. Their feather-light actuation makes them effortless to press, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, which is perfect for work or study. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or the need for a quieter, more gentle typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more