HMX EVA vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the HMX EVA and the Jerrzi Honey Bean stand out as compelling options, each with unique characteristics catering to different preferences. The HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, boasts a resonant sound signature that enhances the tactile feel of typing, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for fans of the franchise who appreciate a smooth, engaging experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch prioritizes a light and linear action complemented by silent operation, making it an excellent option for office environments or shared spaces where minimal noise is paramount. The Honey Bean's muted feel provides a discreet yet satisfying typing experience, while the EVA’s more pronounced sound signature can be invigorating for those who enjoy a little auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T2
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials utilized in the HMX EVA and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches showcase both similarities and differences that significantly influence their acoustic properties and overall tactile responses. The HMX EVA employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material celebrated for its ability to produce a rich, fuller sound profile owing to its softer plastic composition. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a muted yet warm auditory experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean incorporates POM (polyoxymethylene) for its housing materials. Although still offering a deeper sound profile, POM creates a distinct acoustic experience that is known for being incredibly pleasing and somewhat unique, providing a deeper sound that remains more muted than its nylon counterpart.
When comparing the performance of the two switch types, it becomes evident that while they utilize different materials, both the HMX EVA and the Jerrzi Honey Bean aim to achieve a satisfying sound signature. The EVA's uniform nylon construction contributes to a homogeneous auditory experience, where the characteristics of both the top and bottom housings blend seamlessly to produce a rounded sound profile. Conversely, the Honey Bean’s POM housing, though differing in material, shares the goal of delivering a rounded and muted sound but does so through the inherent properties of POM. This difference in material may lead to a slight variance in sound quality, yet both switches offer users an appealing and immersive auditory experience.
Ultimately, regardless of the housing material employed, both the HMX EVA and the Jerrzi Honey Bean deliver similar results in terms of the deeper and fuller sound profiles they are designed to create. The nylon in the EVA provides a cohesive sound experience through its soft texture, while the POM of the Honey Bean achieves a comparable muted, pleasing tone. When pressing either switch, the interaction of the housing materials informs the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nature of the plastic influencing how sound is absorbed or resonated. Thus, both switches cater to users seeking rich auditory feedback, albeit through different material characteristics.
Weight
The HMX EVA linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch display notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both the EVA and Honey Bean switches share the same actuation force of 42 grams, suggesting that users will experience similar trigger feelings when typing or gaming. However, the EVA's bottom out force is recorded at 48 grams, indicating a lightweight feel upon pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unavailable, leaving a void in direct comparison. Nevertheless, the EVA is categorized as the lighter option overall, which may appeal to those who prioritize comfort during extended use, such as long work hours or gaming sessions. Without specific data on the Honey Bean's bottom out force, it's difficult to categorize it as lighter or heavier in that aspect, but the EVA clearly represents a more defined force profile. For users seeking a more substantial typing experience, the EVA’s 48-gram bottom out force may be preferable, while the uncertainty surrounding the Honey Bean's bottoming out experience could deter some potential users.
Travel distance
The HMX EVA linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch differ slightly in their travel distances, with the EVA measuring 3.6 mm and the Honey Bean at 3.7 mm. This makes the EVA the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that might appeal to gamers who favor quick key presses for faster reaction times. In contrast, the Honey Bean offers a deeper travel distance, which may suit those who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances as compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, their slight difference suggests that the EVA may deliver a quicker tactile response, efficiently catering to users who thrive on speed, whereas the Honey Bean allows for a more familiar depth and cushioning effect, potentially favored by typists or those who enjoy a more tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX EVA switch is characterized by its resonant sound signature, making it more conspicuous than a less pronounced switch. This could mean a slightly more noticeable typing experience, especially in quieter environments, but still manageable in most settings. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is deliberately designed for muted operation, producing a soft and quieter sound profile that is ideal for shared spaces or offices. The muted sound signature allows for a discreet typing experience, lessening the distraction for others around you while still providing tactile feedback.
When considering the feel of each switch, the EVA offers a silky smooth typing experience that emphasizes fluidity, allowing for seamless key presses. It provides a satisfying sensation with each actuation, contributing to an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches are designed to be exceptionally easy to press, offering a light and feathery action that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This gentler resistance makes the Honey Bean particularly comfortable for long durations, making it more suitable for tasks that require prolonged focus.
In conclusion, while both the HMX EVA and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches deliver a unique typing experience, they cater to different preferences. The EVA offers a more pronounced sound and a smooth typing feel, which may appeal to those who enjoy tactile feedback and aesthetic resonance. Meanwhile, the Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet, soft action that prioritizes comfort and minimizes noise—ideal for shared environments. Ultimately, if your priorities lean more towards sound and tactile feedback, the EVA will serve you well, while the Honey Bean is the better choice for noiseless versatility and ease.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, your specific needs and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard play crucial roles in the selection process. If you're drawn to a switch that combines a resonant sound signature with a soft typing feel, and you enjoy aesthetics inspired by pop culture—especially if you're a fan of Evangelion—then the HMX EVA is a fantastic choice. Its light bottom out force of 48 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience, though it's not the quietest option available. On the other hand, if minimizing noise is your top priority—especially in shared workspaces or offices—the Jerrzi Honey Bean with its muted sound profile and ultra-light actuation is ideal. Its easy-to-press and feathery feel makes it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or study. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both your aesthetic preferences and your practical needs in terms of sound and feel, allowing you to create a typing experience that is both enjoyable and efficient.
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