Aflion Foggy Shadow vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Foggy Shadow, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, a linear switch, are two contenders worth considering. The Foggy Shadow from Aflion boasts a light tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle tactile feedback while typing. With a bottom-out force of 63.5g, these switches offer a balanced performance that hits the sweet spot in terms of weight. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches feature a smooth and silent linear action, perfect for those looking for a noiseless typing experience in shared environments like offices. While the Foggy Shadow is geared towards users who enjoy a tactile bump, the Honey Bean excels in providing a feather-light and muted typing experience. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
20mm double-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, we see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Foggy Shadow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Honey Bean uses a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize creating a distinct auditory experience for the user, showcasing the attention to detail in their design.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Foggy Shadow utilizes a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Honey Bean also uses a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. While both switches offer similar characteristics in terms of the bottom housing material, the difference in their top housing materials allows for varying sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The nylon and POM materials both contribute to creating a unique typing experience that is both satisfying and immersive.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Aflion Foggy Shadow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and tactile feel of the switches. While the polycarbonate and POM top housings offer different sound profiles, the nylon and POM bottom housings contribute to creating a deeper and fuller sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience for users, showcasing the versatility and impact of various housing materials in customizing switch characteristics. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and more muted tone, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Foggy Shadow has an actuation force of None grams, while the Honey Bean has an actuation force of 42 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Foggy Shadow is 63.5 grams, whereas this force is unknown for the Honey Bean. This means that the Foggy Shadow is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Honey Bean is lighter in actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey Bean may be the better option, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may lean towards the Foggy Shadow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force.
Travel distance
The Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Foggy Shadow provides a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Honey Bean offers a slightly deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which may be more appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Foggy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Foggy Shadow for $3.91.
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 Aflion Foggy Shadow switches feature a low-pitched tone that provides a bass-heavy and mellow sound, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches offer a muted sound profile that minimizes noise in shared environments. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Foggy Shadow providing a neutral sound suitable for various settings, and the Honey Bean ensuring a quieter typing experience ideal for office use.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Foggy Shadow switches have a light tactile bump, offering a balanced typing experience with a 63.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are described as easy-to-press and feathery, providing a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. These characteristics make both switches comfortable for extended typing sessions, but cater to distinct preferences in terms of tactile feedback and actuation force.
Overall, the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switches and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether you prefer a light tactile bump with a balanced feel or a silent and easy-to-press linear switch, both options provide a satisfying typing experience. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, you can achieve similar results with either switch, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Aflion Foggy Shadow tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Foggy Shadow if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and enjoy a light tactile bump while typing. The Foggy Shadow is perfect for those seeking a balanced performance with a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, choose the Honey Bean if you desire a bottom out force of None grams and appreciate a smooth, linear typing experience. The Honey Bean's light and linear action, along with its muted sound profile, make it ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback, bottom out force, and sound profile to enhance your typing experience.