TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Jerrzi Honey Bean mechanical keyboard switches, users are presented with two excellent options that cater to different preferences and needs. The Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various settings, including gaming, office work, and leisurely typing sessions. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches are known for their light and linear action, coupled with silent operation, making them ideal for environments where noise reduction is important. 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
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches play a significant role in the sound profiles they produce. While the Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Honey Bean utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Honey Bean produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, whereas the POM material of the Honey Bean offers a unique and pleasing sound experience.
In terms of sound characteristics, the use of different housing materials in the Gold Red Pro and the Honey Bean switches results in distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to a similarly deep and muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles, appealing to a variety of users with different preferences.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes apparent that each component plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or POM, influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or POM, has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. By carefully selecting the appropriate housing materials for each component, both the Gold Red Pro and the Honey Bean switches are able to offer users a unique and customized typing experience based on their desired sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar actuation force, with the Gold Red Pro requiring 43 grams and the Honey Bean requiring 42 grams. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. In terms of weight, both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, for those who prefer a heavier typing experience, they may lean towards switches with a higher actuation force. Overall, while both switches offer a similar actuation force, the choice between the two would ultimately come down to personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch's 3.7 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The Gold Red Pro offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Honey Bean, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Overall, both switches provide a balance between speed and tactile feedback, with the Gold Red Pro being the longer option and the Honey Bean being the shorter option in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Red Pro linear switch is characterized as having a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience that isn't too loud or too quiet—a perfect balance for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted sound, ensuring a more discreet typing experience that minimizes noise in shared environments. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a slightly more pronounced and bass-heavy tone while the Honey Bean focuses on a quieter, softer sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and a light typing feel. This combination creates a comfortable and accessible typing feel suitable for all users. Conversely, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are easy-to-press and feathery, providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Gold Red Pro excels in smoothness and refined tactility, the Honey Bean focuses on ease of use and minimal effort required for key presses.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro prioritizes a balanced sound profile with a smooth and refined typing experience, making it versatile for various settings and preferences. On the other hand, the Honey Bean focuses on a muted sound and an easy-to-press, feathery feel, ideal for minimizing noise in shared environments and providing effortless typing for extended periods. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, you should base your decision on your specific needs and preferences. Opt for the Gold Red Pro if you value versatility and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various tasks like gaming, work, or casual typing. On the other hand, choose the Honey Bean if you prioritize a silent typing experience and effortless key presses, ideal for shared environments or extended typing sessions where finger fatigue can be a concern. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, so consider the context in which you'll be using them to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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