Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Red both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Honey Bean switch is known for its light and linear action, making it perfect for quiet environments like offices where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is characterized by its lower actuation force, ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Ink Red is described as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own appeal, with the Honey Bean providing a discreet yet satisfying typing experience, and the Ink Red offering a smooth and clacky sound profile. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Red, one immediate difference can be seen in the sound profiles they produce. The Honey Bean's POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound, while the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend housings offer a pointed and high-pitched sound with a clacky quality. This shows that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a keyboard switch.
Another point of comparison between the two housing materials is their impact on the feel of the keystrokes. The POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to a deeper sound and a certain level of tactility when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red provides a higher-pitched sound and a sense of crispness during keypresses. This demonstrates how different housing materials can influence the tactile feedback and overall typing experience of a keyboard switch.
Despite their differences, it's important to note that both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Ink Red utilize unique housing materials that enhance the overall sound profile of the switches. While the Honey Bean's POM housings create a pleasing deep sound, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend housings offer a sharper and more clacky sound. Both switches provide a distinctive typing experience, showcasing how housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that there are slight differences between the two. The Jerrzi Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Gateron Ink Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey Bean's force is unknown, whereas the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Gateron Ink Red switch requires more force to press all the way down compared to the Honey Bean. Depending on personal preferences, individuals may prefer a lighter actuation force for extended periods of typing or gaming, while others may favor a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, the Honey Bean has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Ink Red has a slightly longer travel distance. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ink Red being closer to the standard 4.0 mm. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean, while those seeking a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Ink Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of tactile feedback, with the main difference lying in the distance traveled when pressing down on the key.
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 Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, creating a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for shared environments like offices. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a neutral sound profile with a chirpy characteristic, offering a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart. While the Honey Bean provides a more discreet typing experience, the Ink Red delivers a slightly more distinct and lively sound.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch is silky, mild, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Honey Bean focusing on minimal resistance and effortless typing, while the Ink Red emphasizes smoothness and refinement.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is best suited for users looking for a discreet and light typing experience with minimal noise, making it perfect for office environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch caters to those with a lighter typing style, offering a smooth and polished typing feel with a unique chirpy sound profile. Depending on your preferences, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch, but the Honey Bean will provide a quieter operation, while the Ink Red will offer a smoother and slightly more distinct typing feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a quiet and discreet typing experience for office or shared environments, the Honey Bean switches with their light and linear action are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and slightly louder typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red switches are a great option, especially for those with a lighter typing style. Ultimately, your choice between the Honey Bean and Ink Red switches will depend on your preferences for noise level, actuation force, and overall typing feel.
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