KTT Grapefruit vs. Jerrzi Honey Bean
An in-depth look at the KTT Grapefruit and the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Grapefruit linear switch to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Grapefruit switches are praised for their soft and light feel, along with a deep sound profile that adds depth to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switches are known for their quiet operation and light, easy-to-press keys, making them ideal for shared environments like offices. While both switches have their strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Jerrzi Honey Bean, the top housing stands out as a key point of difference. The Grapefruit features a polycarbonate top housing, known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Honey Bean comes with a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound. While the Grapefruit's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting, the Honey Bean's POM top housing offers a unique sound profile with a deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Grapefruit and the Honey Bean offer different materials with distinct characteristics. The nylon bottom housing of the Grapefruit delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the harder plastics used in other switches. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to its unique sound profile, offering a deeper and relatively more muted tone. Both bottom housings play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing.
Overall, while the housing materials of the KTT Grapefruit and the Jerrzi Honey Bean differ in terms of top and bottom materials, they both aim to provide a unique sound experience for users. The Grapefruit's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a clear and resonant sound with a deeper tone, while the Honey Bean's use of POM for both top and bottom housings offers a more muted yet pleasing sound profile. Regardless of the differences, both switches prioritize the sound quality and user experience, ensuring that typists will enjoy a satisfying typing experience with distinct nuances in sound profile.
Weight
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. In comparison, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Grapefruit switch requires a slightly heavier force to press down fully compared to the Honey Bean switch. Both switches fall into the lighter side of the spectrum, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended periods of use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Grapefruit linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Grapefruit offering a slightly deeper keypress compared to the Honey Bean. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Grapefruit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Grapefruit linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, giving off a bass-heavy tone with a moderate actuation force suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted sound, designed to minimize noise and provide a quieter typing experience, especially suitable for office or shared environments. When it comes to feel, the Grapefruit switch is polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Honey Bean switch is easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities in sound and feel, catering to different preferences. If one enjoys a bass-heavy tone with a polished feel, the Grapefruit switch would be ideal, while those seeking a quieter sound with easy-to-press feedback may prefer the Honey Bean switch. Ultimately, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, ensuring that users will get similar results no matter their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Grapefruit linear switch and the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a smooth and refined typing experience, along with a low-pitched sound profile, the Grapefruit switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a switch with no specified bottom-out force that offers a silent operation and a feathery, easy-to-press feel, the Honey Bean switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of bottom-out force, sound, and typing feel. So, choose wisely based on what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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