Durock Dolphin vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Honey Bean mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Durock Dolphin is a linear switch known for its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a balance of precision and satisfaction with each press. Perfect for those who prefer a bit more resistance, the Dolphin is categorized as 'Polished', 'Muted', and 'Low-pitched', making it an excellent choice for quieter office environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean offers a light and linear action with a silent operation, providing a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Honey Bean is also ideal for minimizing noise in shared spaces. 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
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Honey Bean both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Honey Bean's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Dolphin is translucent and ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the Honey Bean offers a pleasing and unique sound experience.
On the other hand, the Dolphin's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings of each keyboard, both the Dolphin and the Honey Bean offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Dolphin and the Jerrzi Honey Bean ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While the Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing may appeal to those seeking a sharper and crisper sound, the Honey Bean's POM top housing offers a deeper and more pleasing sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Dolphin and the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, both keyboards offer quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience in their own distinct ways.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Dolphin switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it requires very little force to trigger a keystroke, while it has a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a medium resistance for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch requires 42 grams of force to actuate, offering a slightly more tactile typing feel, but its bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Dolphin switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Honey Bean switch, which may be preferred by users looking for a lighter keystroke. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Honey Bean switch may be the better choice. Despite the differing actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Dolphin switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker response times during intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Honey Bean switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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, both the Durock Dolphin and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are described as producing a muted sound, making them suitable for quieter environments such as offices. The Dolphin switch is further noted to have a low-pitched tone, which may provide a deeper sound profile compared to the Honey Bean. However, both switches aim to minimize the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, offering a more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is characterized as easy-to-press and feathery, providing a light actuation force that requires minimal exertion from the fingers. This light and responsive feel of the Honey Bean switch may appeal to users who prefer a gentler typing experience.
Overall, both the Durock Dolphin and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches offer silent operation ideal for office environments. The Dolphin switch provides a medium-heavy actuation force for those seeking a bit more resistance, while the Honey Bean switch offers a lighter and effortless typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of noise reduction and typing comfort from either of these linear switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you need a switch with a medium-heavy actuation force and a satisfying press, the Dolphin may be the better choice. The Dolphin is ideal for those who prefer a switch with a bit more resistance and offers a balanced, precise typing experience. On the other hand, if you require a light and easy-to-press switch that provides a feathery typing experience, the Honey Bean could be the perfect fit. The Honey Bean is suited for environments where noise reduction is essential, thanks to its silent operation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preference for actuation force and typing feel, so weigh these factors carefully before making your decision.