Huano Elf vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Honey Bean offer unique features that cater to diverse typing preferences. The Elf switch, with its POK top housing, excels in delivering enhanced acoustics and a deeper sound signature, making it a joy for those who appreciate a tactile auditory experience while typing. Its medium-light feel strikes a balance that can satisfy both casual typists and gaming enthusiasts alike. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is designed for those who prioritize a soft, feather-light action, paired with a silent operation that makes it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. This switch provides a muted feel without sacrificing the satisfaction of a smooth linear action. Both switches have their merits depending on your typing style and environment; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the switches of the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Honey Bean highlight both differentiation and similarity. For the top housing, the Elf utilizes POK, a polyketone material notable for its low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability. With a wear resistance considerably higher than POM, POK's robust nature ensures not only longevity but also a smooth tactile experience during use. On the other hand, the Honey Bean employs POM for its top housing, which, while slightly less durable than POK, is renowned for generating a unique and deeper sound profile. This divergence in material choice affects the performance and auditory experience of the switches, with the Elf potentially offering a smoother feel due to the POK’s lower coefficient of friction compared to the muted sound quality from the Honey Bean's POM top.

In contrast, both switches share the use of different low-friction materials for their bottom housings. The Elf uses Nylon, which is recognized for its softer texture that dampens sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This sound absorption creates a rounder profile that can often feel more satisfying during prolonged typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Honey Bean is equipped with POM for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. While POM is typically associated with a more muted resonance compared to Nylon, it nonetheless contributes a pleasing sound when typing. Although these two switches employ different materials for the top housing, both bottom housings bring a muted sound characteristic to the forefront of the typing experience.

Overall, the interaction between these materials is pivotal as each contributes to the sound and feel during use. The impact of the top and bottom housings is significant; the top housing influences the sound released upon key release, while the bottom housing generally shapes the sound when bottomed out. This interplay means that the differences in the Elf's POK top and Nylon bottom versus the Honey Bean's POM top and bottom focus the auditory and tactile experiences in unique ways. While the Elf may offer a more pronounced smoothness and longevity due to POK's qualities, the Honey Bean's consistent use of POM across both housings provides a balanced yet unique auditory experience, emphasizing how even similar-material designs can yield different results in performance.

Weight

Both the Huano Elf and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches feature an identical actuation force of 42 grams, suggesting that users will experience a similar amount of effort required to activate both switches. However, the bottom out force for both switches is currently unknown, leaving a gap in their comparison in terms of how they feel when fully depressed. Since the actuation forces are equal, users seeking a lighter typing experience can find satisfaction in both options, as 42 grams is generally regarded as manageable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Nevertheless, without the bottom out force known, it’s difficult to assess how they might feel when fully pressed, which is crucial for determining overall comfort. In summary, the Elf and Honey Bean switches share the same actuation force, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch in their keyboard experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, the Huano Elf has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if responsiveness is a priority, the Elf is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation and faster response times which can benefit gamers. Conversely, for users who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, the Honey Bean's greater travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches are close in travel distance, the Elf offers a marginally shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a quicker actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch delivers a deep sound signature that is defined and resonant, thanks to its POK top housing which enhances the acoustics. This characteristic provides a more pronounced auditory feedback in contrast to the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch, which is designed for a muted typing experience. The Honey Bean's silent operation makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise minimization is essential, ensuring that typing remains discreet without sacrificing satisfaction.

When it comes to feel, the Elf switch offers a medium-light resistance, creating a typing experience that is both comfortable and engaging. This allows for a satisfying yet responsive feel during use. On the other hand, the Honey Bean linear switch is exceptionally easy to press, requiring minimal force for activation due to its light actuation. Described as having a feathery touch, it makes typing feel effortless and reduces finger fatigue, making it well-suited for extended sessions of typing or gaming.

Overall, both switches provide unique experiences tailored to different needs. The Huano Elf is perfect for those who appreciate depth in sound and a moderately engaging feel, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean excels in quieter environments with its feather-light touch and muted acoustics. Choosing between them will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and typing experience, but both options promise satisfying performance for their intended applications.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch depends largely on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you prioritize acoustics and enjoy a deeper sound signature while typing, the Elf is the better option for you. Its medium-light feel can provide a satisfying typing experience, especially if you appreciate switches that have a more complex auditory profile. On the other hand, if you find yourself in an office or shared space where noise minimization is key, the Honey Bean switches would be the more appropriate choice. Their light and feathery action allows for effortless typing, which can mitigate finger fatigue during long sessions, all while operating silently to avoid disturbing colleagues. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your environment and typing habits: go for the Elf for a more engaging auditory feel, or opt for the Honey Bean for a quiet, comfortable experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more