Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Box Black mechanical keyboard switches, we find two distinct options for different preferences. The Honey Bean switches offer a light and linear action with silent operation, making them ideal for shared environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switches are known for their smooth and creamy feel, although they produce a slightly louder clacky sound. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal to different needs and preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Box Black are both unique in their own way, with the Honey Bean featuring POM top and bottom housings while the Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housings. The POM material in the Honey Bean provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a pleasing typing experience. On the other hand, the INK blend in the Gateron switch brings a pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound that is satisfying to many users. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches offer a distinctive typing experience that caters to different preferences.
In terms of sound characteristics, the POM top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean offer a deeper and more muted typing experience. This unique sound profile is consistent throughout the keystroke, providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience for those who prefer a quieter switch. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing create a sound that is pointed, high-pitched, and clacky. This sound profile is more pronounced and offers a different tactile feel compared to the Honey Bean, catering to users who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Honey Bean and Ink Box Black switches differ in material, the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience is split between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing material has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience, each with its own distinct sound profile that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of the Honey Bean or the pointed and clacky sound of the Ink Box Black, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to directly compare them in that aspect. However, based on the actuation force alone, the Honey Bean would provide a lighter typing experience, while the Ink Box Black would offer a more substantial and tactile feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Honey Bean, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Ink Box Black for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among gamers for faster response times. The Honey Bean offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Ink Box Black, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Black may cater to those who prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and response time.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 provides a muted and quiet typing experience, perfect for environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Honey Bean switch would be the preferable choice, while the Ink Box Black switch offers a more percussive and crisp sound profile for those who enjoy a more vibrant typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal effort to activate each key. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Contrastingly, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch provides a silky and polished feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Both switches offer a different tactile sensation, with the Honey Bean focusing on lightness and ease of typing, while the Ink Box Black emphasizes smoothness and refinement.
Overall, if you prioritize a quiet typing environment and prefer a light and effortless typing experience, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more vibrant and clacky typing sound and prefer a smoother, polished feel while typing, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would suit your preferences better. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, providing a personalized typing experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch or the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing environment. If you value a quiet and discreet typing experience, especially in an office or shared space, the Honey Bean switches would be an excellent choice with their light and linear action. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a medium-heavy key feel, along with a unique sound profile reminiscent of a spray paint can, then the Gateron Ink Box Black switches would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider factors such as typing feel, sound, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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