Gateron Glory Yellow vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean represent two enticing options within the linear switch category, each catering to different typing preferences and environments. The Glory Yellow switch is renowned for its heavier feel, which provides a smooth keystroke and a satisfying travel distance—ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial touch while typing and gaming. In contrast, the Honey Bean switch offers a delightfully light and muted action, perfect for office settings or shared spaces where minimizing noise is paramount, allowing for a discreet yet pleasing typing experience. While the Glory Yellow excels in delivering a robust response, the Honey Bean focuses on a soft-touch experience that is easy to press and feather-light. 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
50g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches, it is clear that they utilize different primary materials for their construction. The Glory Yellow features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a more muted tone that many typists and gamers appreciate. This property of the material not only affects the acoustics but also contributes to a more cushioned feel while typing. By contrast, the Honey Bean opts for POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both top and bottom housings. POM is recognized for delivering a distinct sound that is both pleasing and unique, characterized by its deeper and more muted quality. This difference in material choices sets the two switches apart in terms of the specific auditory experience they provide.
Despite their different materials, both the Glory Yellow and the Honey Bean manage to cultivate a sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. While the nylon used in the Glory Yellow serves to absorb sound waves more effectively, the POM in the Honey Bean produces a unique sound signature that still aligns with a more subdued auditory experience. This means that while users may notice nuances in tone, both switches ultimately produce a rounded sound that keeps typing noise within a more contained volume. Sound absorption qualities from nylon or the distinct attributes of POM do lead to a variety of auditory perceptions, but the overlap in their deeper sound profiles suggests that users seeking a quieter, more resonant typing environment will find satisfaction with either option.
The impact of these differing housing materials also extends to the tactile experience provided by each switch. In the case of the Glory Yellow's nylon housing, users can expect a consistent and comfortable feel that emphasizes the bottom-out stage, thanks to the material's inherent softness. The Honey Bean, with its POM composition, still delivers a satisfying tactile response, but may add a slightly different sensation upon actuation due to the unique properties of the material. Ultimately, while the flagrant differences in housing materials between these switches can influence subtle aspects of sound and feel, they both cater to users who favor a softer, more harmonious typing experience. Therefore, if one were to prioritize a more muted sound profile and a soft touch, either switch would serve effectively, albeit with unique characteristics influenced by their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Glory Yellow requires 50 grams of force to actuate, while the Honey Bean is lighter at 42 grams. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Honey Bean. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means we cannot directly compare their bottoming out characteristics. Typically, switches that are lighter in actuation, like the Honey Bean, also provide a more pleasant experience for those who prioritize comfort and prolonged usage. Meanwhile, the Glory Yellow, being heavier, might appeal to individuals who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Therefore, the choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it is clear that they cater to slightly different preferences among users. The Gateron Glory Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional length that offers a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Although both switches exhibit linear characteristics, the Glory Yellow provides a more pronounced depth that some users might prefer, while those favoring a more responsive experience might lean towards the Honey Bean due to its reduced travel distance. Therefore, the Gateron Glory Yellow is the longer option, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean is the shorter one, catering to distinct typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 Glory Yellow switch is known to produce a solid, satisfying noise typical of linear switches; however, specific sound characteristics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch excels in providing a muted auditory experience. This quieter profile makes the Honey Bean ideal for environments where stealth is a priority, minimizing the disruptive sound that often accompanies typing. While both switches deliver a more subdued sound compared to clicky switches, the Glory Yellow may be slightly more audible, depending on the overall setup, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch is noted for a smooth keystroke and a pleasant travel distance; however, specifics regarding its actuation force are lacking. In contrast, the Honey Bean switch is characterized by its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force for activation. This low actuation force, coupled with its feathery nature, significantly enhances comfort and reduces finger fatigue, making it especially suitable for prolonged typing sessions. The Glory Yellow may deliver a heavier keystroke that some might find satisfying, but it likely won't match the effortless typing experience offered by the Honey Bean.
Considering all these aspects, it becomes clear that while both switches cater to different preferences, they share a common trait of delivering a linear typing experience. The Glory Yellow offers a more traditional, heavier linear feel that some may prefer for tactile satisfaction, whereas the Honey Bean shines in environments that demand a quieter, lighter action. Ultimately, choosing between them comes down to the specific typing experience you're seeking; those who value a heavier switch may lean towards the Glory Yellow, while those prioritizing silence and ease will likely favor the Honey Bean.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Yellow and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches largely depends on your specific needs and environment. If you prioritize a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance and are seeking a switch that will enhance your overall typing experience, the Glory Yellow may be your ideal choice. Its design caters to those who enjoy a heavier click and want to feel more grounded in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if your primary concern is noise level and ease of use—whether you’re in an office setting or shared space—the Honey Bean switches are superb. Their light actuation force and muted sound profile make them an excellent option for anyone looking to type comfortably without disturbing those around them. Ultimately, your selection should reflect the balance between the tactile feedback you desire and the acoustic footprint you can accommodate in your workspace.