Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Honey Bean switches offer a light and linear action with a silent operation, making them ideal for quiet environments like the office. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches have a smoother feel and a higher-pitched clack, providing a unique typing experience. While the Honey Bean is easy-to-press and feathery, the Ink Box Pink is clacky and silky. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preference and typing style. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Pink switches differ in terms of their sound profiles. The Honey Bean features a POM top housing that creates a deep and muted sound, while the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound. This contrast suggests that the two switches will offer distinct auditory experiences to users.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Honey Bean and the Ink Box Pink switches also exhibit differing characteristics. The Honey Bean's POM bottom housing complements its top housing by creating a similar deep and muted sound profile. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its overall high-pitched and clacky sound profile, resulting in a more cohesive auditory experience that complements its top housing material.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience for users. The unique qualities of each housing material, whether it be POM or Gateron's INK blend, contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed. While the two switches may offer distinct sound profiles due to their housing materials, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both options.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Ink Box Pink's actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink is heavier at 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Honey Bean's unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Honey Bean may be the preferred choice. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink offers a more robust typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the slightly longer travel distance of the Honey Bean. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel 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 Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for those looking for a quiet and discreet keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a clacky, high-pitched sound that may be more noticeable in a shared environment. If you prefer a softer and quieter typing experience, the Honey Bean would be the better choice.
When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This results in reduced finger fatigue and a comfortable typing session. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished typing feel, focusing on smoothness and reduced friction during key presses. Depending on your preference for a light and effortless typing feel or a smooth and refined typing experience, both switches cater to different needs.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch that prioritizes a quieter sound and easy typing feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a switch with a smoother and more polished typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink would suit your needs better. Remember, the choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch or the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a silent typing experience and prefer a light and linear action, the Honey Bean switch would be an excellent choice, especially for office or shared environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smoother and lighter typing feel with a slightly higher sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it is essential to consider what factors matter most to you when making your decision.
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