Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Jerrzi Honey Bean stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is praised for its tactile feedback, offering a gentle bump that enhances typing without being too distracting. This switch is also known for its budget-friendly nature, making it a great choice for those looking for quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean is a linear switch that boasts a light and silent operation, making it perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Both switches are easy to press, but the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a more pronounced tactile feel compared to the feathery touch of the Honey Bean. 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile. On the other hand, the Honey Bean utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is more likely to enhance RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of their bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Brown uses a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Honey Bean incorporates a POM bottom housing, contributing to its pleasing and unique deep sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both bottom housings aim to create a more muted sound compared to their top housings.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown's top and bottom housings offer distinct sound profiles, the split between the two materials can impact how the switch sounds and feels during use. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Conversely, the Jerrzi Honey Bean's POM top and bottom housings work together to create a consistent deep and muted sound profile, allowing for a unique typing experience with each keystroke.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches have a medium bottom out force with the G Pro 3.0 Brown requiring 63 grams and the Honey Bean having an unknown bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier actuation force, while the Honey Bean is lighter, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Gateron switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey Bean switch. The 0.3 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the typing experience. Those who prefer a deeper keypress may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those who prefer a slightly shallower keypress may opt for the Honey Bean. Both switches offer a different feel and response, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is known for its medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience with an extra layer of joy. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is described as producing a muted sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular or clacky switches. The choice between the two switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the environment in which the keyboard will be used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are characterized as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is also described as having a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience without overwhelming characteristics. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch is labeled as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces strain on the fingers during typing sessions. Both switches offer a comfortable and low-impact typing feel, catering to different preferences in terms of the amount of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound and a mild tactile feel, the Honey Bean switch offers a muted sound and a feathery typing experience. Both switches are easy-to-press, making typing sessions comfortable and efficient. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the specific typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback and a medium-high pitch accompanied by a budget-friendly solution, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light and silent typing experience suitable for shared environments like the office, the Honey Bean switch with its feathery feel and muted sound may be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and surroundings to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
