Dareu Firefly vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Honey Bean offer unique features for different preferences. The Dareu Firefly is a tactile switch that provides a quiet typing experience with a light actuation and a hint of clickiness, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a subtle tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean is a linear switch that offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for environments where noise reduction is a priority. Both switches are known for being easy to press, but the Firefly has a chirpy feel while the Honey Bean has a feathery and muted 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, one key difference is in their top housing materials. The Firefly utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with more clarity and resonance. This is in contrast to the Honey Bean's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials are effective in their own right, the polycarbonate top housing of the Firefly is better suited for those looking for a brighter and more pronounced sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Firefly features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound compared to the relatively softer and more absorbent POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean. The nylon bottom housing of the Firefly contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, whereas the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean maintains a deep and muted sound. Both materials offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the nylon bottom housing providing a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel compared to the POM bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Dareu Firefly and the Jerrzi Honey Bean housing materials will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Firefly's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for those seeking a more clear and resonant tone, the Honey Bean's POM top housing presents a deeper and more muted sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Firefly provides a fuller and rounder sound, contrasting with the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean that maintains a deep and muted tone. Depending on individual preferences for sound characteristics, either switch may offer a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we can see that the Firefly is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Honey Bean is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but it is important to note that the Firefly is a tactile switch, providing feedback when the key is actuated, whereas the Honey Bean is a linear switch, offering a smoother keystroke without a tactile bump. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Firefly for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the Honey Bean for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Firefly offers a bit more depth in comparison to the Honey Bean. The 4 mm travel distance of the Firefly is more traditional, providing a satisfying and responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's 3.7 mm travel distance is still relatively close, making it a good option for those looking for a slightly shorter distance without sacrificing too much depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
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, the Dareu Firefly switch offers a unique chirpy sound, adding a subtle yet distinct acoustic signature to each key press. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch provides a more muted sound, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Firefly offering a bit of character while the Honey Bean prioritizes quiet operation.
In terms of feel, both the Dareu Firefly and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches share a similar easy-to-press characteristic, requiring minimal force to activate each key. This gentle resistance enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the Honey Bean switch is described as feathery, indicating an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a low-impact typing feel that is responsive and comfortable for extended use.
In conclusion, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch each offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Firefly provides a chirpy sound and light actuation, while the Honey Bean offers a muted sound and a feathery typing experience. Both switches are suitable for different preferences and environments, ensuring that users will get a satisfying typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Dareu Firefly tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it all comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a quiet and light tactile feel with just a hint of clickiness, the Firefly switch would be a great fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and linear action that is silent and easy to press, the Honey Bean switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer an easy-to-press feel, but the Firefly provides a chirpy sound while the Honey Bean offers a muted sound. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a light tactile feel with a hint of clickiness or a silent and light linear action for your typing needs. Consider your typing environment and personal typing preferences when selecting between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
