Huano Grape Orange vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Jerrzi Honey Bean offer two appealing linear options that cater to different preferences. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its incredibly light actuating force of just 40g, which makes for an effortlessly smooth typing experience, ideal for marathon typing sessions without the strain. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches shine with their light action and silent operation, making them a perfect choice for shared workspaces where noise reduction is essential. While both switches promise a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Grape Orange excels in providing ease of use over extended periods, whereas the Honey Bean prioritizes discretion in sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Huano Grape Orange Linear

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Grape Orange and Jerrzi Honey Bean switches use distinctly different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Grape Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances resonance and clarity. Additionally, its translucency makes polycarbonate particularly effective when paired with RGB lighting, allowing for visual effects that complement the auditory experience. In contrast, the Honey Bean utilizes a POM top housing, capable of delivering a deeper, more muted sound. While POM offers a pleasing auditory experience, it lacks the vividness associated with polycarbonate, imparting a unique character to the switch but leaning toward the lower tones.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Grape Orange and Honey Bean share a common characteristic in their sound output, albeit with different materials. The Grape Orange employs a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the Honey Bean's bottom housing is made from POM, which provides a similarly muted and deep sound profile. This shared quality between the two switches means that while their top sound signatures differ—one being crisp and the other deep—the underpinnings of both switches tend toward a more subdued sound owing to their nylon and POM materials.

The division of material properties between the top and bottom housings of the Grape Orange and Honey Bean switches illustrates how different types of plastic can complement each other to create a well-rounded auditory experience. When pressing a switch, the key feel and bottom-out sound is influenced more by the bottom housing material, implying that both the Grape Orange’s nylon and Honey Bean’s POM will provide a similar feel while typing. However, when letting go of a key, the sound emanated will heavily depend on the top housing; here, the Grape Orange's polycarbonate will create a sharper release sound, while the Honey Bean will produce a gentler, rounded sound. Thus, though they utilize different materials, both switches can produce a pleasant typing experience, strategically leveraging their housing materials to achieve both clarity and depth in sound.

Weight

The Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch present a noteworthy comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Honey Bean's 42 grams, making the Grape Orange more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can enhance comfort during long typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Grape Orange also has a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of information means we cannot directly compare the bottom out experiences. However, knowing that the Grape Orange provides a distinctly lighter overall feel due to its lower actuation force, users looking for a sense of comfort and ease may favor the Grape Orange, whereas those who appreciate a slightly firmer actuation from the Honey Bean might find it preferable for a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, the Grape Orange measures 3.6 mm, while the Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Grape Orange offers a shorter travel distance, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for users who prefer a more traditional feel while typing. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness, the Grape Orange would be the better choice, whereas the Honey Bean might be preferable if you value a more substantial switch feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Grape Orange switch is generally characterized as quiet, though specific descriptors are not provided. This implies a subtle typing experience that won't be overly distracting in most settings, but it lacks the clear interpretation of being muted or distinctly acoustic. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is explicitly described as muted, producing a softer sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes the Honey Bean an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. While the Grape Orange may not have the same level of sound dampening, both options can still be relatively quiet, depending on the keyboard design and keycap material used.

When considering feel, the Grape Orange switch offers a typing experience that is exceptionally light, with a low actuation force that promotes effortless key presses. This allows for a comfortable experience over prolonged use, similar to the Jerrzi Honey Bean, which is also designed to be easy to press, requiring minimal effort for activation. Additionally, the Honey Bean switches are described as feathery, enhancing the sensation of lightness during typing, which can minimize finger fatigue during long sessions. Overall, both switches emphasize a gentle and responsive typing feel suitable for extended use.

In summary, both the Huano Grape Orange and Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches cater to users looking for a light and comfortable typing experience, making them ideal for prolonged use. While the Grape Orange may not have specific descriptors about its sound profile, it still offers a quiet experience that aligns well with the muted sound of the Honey Bean. Both switches excel in providing a tactile experience that minimizes strain on the fingers, making them equally suitable for typing, gaming, or general use. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lightweight and efficient typing experience along with relatively quiet operation, either switch would serve you well, though the decision may come down to personal preference regarding sound characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch should largely depend on your specific needs and typing environment. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for extended sessions, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice with its ultra-low 40g actuation force, allowing you to type comfortably without fatigue. However, if you often find yourself in shared spaces or offices where noise levels are a concern, the Honey Bean's muted sound profile and easy-to-press design make it the more suitable option. Its gentle resistance and feathery feel stand out for providing a satisfying yet discreet typing experience. In essence, opt for the Grape Orange for maximum ease and speed in typing, while the Honey Bean is ideal for those needing a quieter solution without compromising on comfort.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more