TTC Gold Brown vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the tactile TTC Gold Brown and the linear Jerrzi Honey Bean mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Gold Browns are renowned for their balanced nature, featuring a slight bump and moderate weightiness that provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches are known for their light and linear action, accompanied by silent operation, making them ideal for quiet environments like offices. While the Gold Browns offer a softer sound profile and a buttery feel, the Honey Beans provide an easy-to-press sensation and muted sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are quite different, with the Gold Brown featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Honey Bean has a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Honey Bean creates a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown allows for RGB lighting, while the POM top housing of the Honey Bean offers a unique look and sound experience.
Despite the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, both the Gold Brown and the Honey Bean switches aim to provide users with a pleasant typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to a similarly deep and muted sound. These differences in materials result in distinct tactile and auditory feedback when typing on the switches, catering to different preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Gold Brown and the Honey Bean switches will come down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown offers a crisper and sharper sound, while the POM top housing on the Honey Bean provides a deeper and more muted sound. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown gives a fuller sound experience, and the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean maintains a similarly deep sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can find the right fit for their needs.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams, which is unavailable for the Honey Bean. This means that the Gold Brown switch is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey Bean switch, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch may be more appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold 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. The Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a deeper keystroke feel, the Gold Brown might be the better choice. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's shorter travel distance may be more appealing to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches are relatively similar in terms of travel distance, with the Gold Brown offering just a slightly longer press compared to the Honey Bean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is best described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch provides a muted sound, producing softer and quieter typing noise ideal for shared spaces where noise reduction is important. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Gold Brown having a more rounded sound and the Honey Bean being discreet yet satisfying in its operation.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced and slightly tactile bump, embodying a mild and buttery typing experience. The switch provides a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a polished feel. In contrast, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing feel, with gentle resistance and minimal force required for activation. These characteristics make the switch comfortable for extended typing sessions and reduce finger fatigue.
Taking all the information into consideration, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offer unique qualities in sound and feel. While the Gold Brown provides a balanced and slightly tactile experience with a neutral sound profile, the Honey Bean delivers a quiet and light linear action with an easy-to-press feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Gold Brown being suitable for a wide range of users and environments, while the Honey Bean is ideal for those seeking a silent and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and environment noise levels. If you value a balanced and weighty typing feel with a soft sound profile, the Gold Brown switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and linear typing action with minimal noise output, the Honey Bean switch would be more suitable, especially for office or shared environments where noise reduction is essential. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which switch aligns better with your typing style and preferences.
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