Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the TTC Ice present two intriguing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike, despite both being linear switches. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its light and muted action, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where quietness is valued. Its easy-to-press design provides a feathery touch that ensures comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Ice stands out not only for its visually striking transparent design but also for its smooth responsiveness and satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an appealing option for gamers and everyday users who seek a premium typing experience. While both switches have their distinctive advantages—the Honey Bean prioritizing silence and comfort, and the Ice focusing on aesthetics and feedback—there are nuances to consider regarding performance and personal preference. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and TTC Ice switches showcase distinct materials that contribute uniquely to their overall sound profiles and aesthetics. The Honey Bean utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound that is characterized by its deeper and more muted tones. POM is known for its excellent acoustic qualities, allowing for a pleasing and unique sound experience that tends to absorb vibrations, thereby mellowing out the harshness often associated with sharper frequencies. In contrast, the TTC Ice employs polycarbonate for its top and bottom housings, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and a crisper resonance. Polycarbonate's rigidity and translucency not only enhance the acoustic clarity but also make it an attractive option for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as the material effectively diffuses the light.
When comparing the sound characteristics of these two switches, one can clearly see how the different materials affect performance. The Honey Bean's POM composition means that users can expect a warmer and more subdued auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer keystroke and a more intimate typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Ice, with its polycarbonate housing, offers a livelier and more pronounced sound when keys are pressed and released. The difference in sound profiles stems from the way each material interacts with sound waves, further emphasizing the importance of housing material in achieving a desired auditory atmosphere when typing or gaming.
It is also important to note that while the Honey Bean and TTC Ice switches use different materials, the overall impact can be approximated through sound engineering principles. If a switch boasts a combination of POM and polycarbonate, the sound experience will be informed by both materials, where the top housing will primarily shape the sound released when the key is let go, while the bottom housing will dictate the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, while the methodologies differ—offering users various auditory experiences—the overall effectiveness can be manipulated to achieve relatable results for those seeking either muted warmth or sharp clarity, depending on their preference for POM or polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a softer and less fatiguing typing experience, particularly during extended sessions. In contrast, the TTC Ice requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial key press. However, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unavailable, while the Ice has a bottom out force of 60 grams, classified as medium. This indicates that the TTC Ice switch provides a firmer resistance when fully pressed down, which can enhance the tactile feedback for users who favor a more pronounced response from their keyboard. Therefore, while the Honey Bean is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the TTC Ice offers a stronger bottom out experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Honey Bean measuring 3.7 mm and the Ice at 3.6 mm. This slight difference in travel distance means that the Honey Bean offers a marginally deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Ice, being the shorter option, could cater to gamers seeking quicker responsiveness due to its reduced travel distance. While both switches fall within a range where shorter distances are becoming more popular, the Honey Bean's 3.7 mm travel may feel more traditional and comfortable for those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the TTC Ice might be the better choice, but for a more hearty typing experience, the Jerrzi Honey Bean is preferable.
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 TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch excels with its muted characteristics, producing a softer and quieter experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check, such as offices or shared spaces; users can expect a discreet typing experience that doesn’t disrupt others. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch's sound profile is less clearly defined in the available information, leaving us to assume it may possess a satisfying bottom-out sound without the specific insights provided for its acoustic qualities. Therefore, while the Honey Bean is undoubtedly advantageous for quiet settings, the Ice may still offer an enjoyable auditory experience depending on the specific board and keycap combinations employed.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch stands out for its easy-to-press and feathery tactile feedback. With minimal resistance required for activation, it ensures a comfortable typing experience that is particularly beneficial for extended sessions; users will find themselves less fatigued even during long hours of typing or gaming. The light actuation force makes it feel almost effortless to type, making it an appealing choice for anyone prioritizing comfort. Unfortunately, the details concerning the feel of the TTC Ice switch are not available; thus, we lack comparative insights in this area.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and TTC Ice switches cater to different user preferences with their unique attributes. The Honey Bean's muted sound and exceptionally light feel make it an excellent choice for quiet environments, while the Ice switch, despite lacking clear descriptives in both sound and feel, may still provide a premium typing experience. Ultimately, individuals seeking a quiet, comfortable typing experience may lean toward the Honey Bean, while those drawn to the aesthetic appeal of transparency might appreciate the Ice switch, *though the sound and feel aspects remain more ambiguous*.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you find yourself in a shared space, like an office or library, where noise is an important consideration, the Honey Bean switches are an excellent choice with their muted sound profile and effortlessly light actuation force. These switches provide a comfortable and low-impact feel, making them perfect for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you seek a more responsive typing experience with some audible feedback, the TTC Ice switches would better suit your needs. With their medium bottom-out force and satisfying sound, they strike a balance between performance and enjoyment, making them ideal for both gaming and daily productivity tasks. Ultimately, consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard, as this will guide your decision between the quiet comfort of Honey Beans and the engaging feel of the Ice switches.
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