Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch are two popular options that offer distinct qualities. The Honey Bean switches are lauded for their light and linear action, accompanied by a quiet operation, making them ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear switches provide a silky smooth typing experience thanks to their full nylon construction and factory lube. While the Honey Bean switch is praised for being easy-to-press and feathery, the Ice King Linear switch is known for its silky, frictionless feel. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Ice King Linear both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Honey Bean features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deep and relatively muted sound. In comparison, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. While both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, the choice between POM and nylon will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing material, both switches deliver a unique tactile and auditory experience. The POM top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean offers a more muted sound profile, while the nylon top and bottom housing of the Ice King Linear elicits a fuller and deeper sound. However, the impact of these housing materials may differ depending on how the switch is used— the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of POM or the deeper sound of nylon will depend on individual preferences for typing experience.
In terms of overall performance, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Ice King Linear offer high-quality housing materials that cater to different sound preferences. The POM housing of the Honey Bean provides a unique and pleasing sound profile with a deeper tone, while the nylon housing of the Ice King Linear produces a fuller and richer sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. Depending on the desired typing experience, users can choose between the sharper, more muted sound of POM or the deeper, rounder sound of nylon. Ultimately, both switches offer comparable results despite their differences in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Ice King Linear has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams. As for bottom out force, the Honey Bean's force is unknown, while the Ice King Linear has a bottom out force of 62 grams. The difference in actuation force means that the Ice King Linear will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Honey Bean. In terms of bottom out force, the Ice King Linear will provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey Bean, while those who prefer a heavier feel may prefer the Ice King Linear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is clear that the Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Ice King Linear's 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Honey Bean offers just a bit more depth. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Ice King Linear due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Honey Bean more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar experience when it comes to travel distance, offering users the ability to customize their typing or gaming experience to their preferences.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for shared spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offers a more subdued sound, dampening the noise when pressed for a more subtle typing experience. Both switches prioritize quieter operation, making them suitable for office environments or areas where noise levels need to be minimized. However, the actual sound produced will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the switch is described as feathery, providing an exceptionally light press that is ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, with a frictionless and creamy feel that offers a buttery sensation when typing. The polished finish of the switch further enhances smooth key travel and reduces friction for a refined typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and responsive typing feel, catering to different preferences for key press resistance and smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a muted and easy-to-press typing experience, while the Ice King Linear offers a subdued and silky smooth feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound levels and typing resistance, either switch can cater to different needs. Ultimately, both switches deliver on providing a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics, ensuring that users can enjoy a pleasant typing experience based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, you should consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and your personal preference for typing experience. If you value a silent operation and light actuation force, the Honey Bean switch would be ideal for office or shared spaces where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Ice King Linear switch with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube would be a great choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to your specific typing needs and preferences.
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