Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Jelly both represent compelling options in the realm of linear switches, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its light, feathery action and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for those who work in shared environments where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum. Its muted feedback ensures a discreet yet satisfying typing experience, perfect for typists who value subtlety and comfort. In contrast, the HMX Jelly offers a unique low-pitched, thocky sound signature that adds a different auditory quality to typing. With a smooth, lightweight feel thanks to excellent factory lubrication and a moderate actuation force of 42 grams, it appeals to users who appreciate both tactile feedback and a gentle auditory response while typing. Both switches have their merits, tailored to distinct situations and user needs; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Jelly exhibit notable differences, which contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Honey Bean employs POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, celebrated for its capacity to produce a unique auditory experience characterized by deeper and comparatively muted sound. In contrast, the Jelly utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, contributing to a fuller, rounder sound that absorbs impacts better than harder plastics. Thus, while both switches yield a deeper sound, the Honey Bean's POM casing leans toward a more subdued audio signature, whereas the Jelly’s nylon allows for a sound that resonates more robustly.
Considering the configuration of the bottom and top housings, the impact of material choice becomes more apparent. For the Honey Bean, the POM's sound-dampening quality throughout both housings ensures a consistent, muted tone regardless of whether the key is being pressed or released. This results in a seamless auditory experience that maintains a coherent sound profile. Conversely, the Jelly’s design, with its nylon components, dictates that the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced primarily by the bottom housing, while the top housing contributes to the tonal quality when releasing a key. This combination can produce a distinct interplay between sound and tactile feedback, leading to a more dynamic user experience in the Jelly.
Ultimately, while both the Honey Bean and the Jelly incorporate different materials, they can achieve similar auditory characteristics due to their deeper sound profiles. The key difference lies in the consistency and richness of the sound produced during keypresses and releases. If both switches were to be evaluated purely for their sound, the performance may converge depending on usage, but the nuanced effects of each material would still offer unique experiences during typing. Whether it's the muted clarity of POM or the warm resonance of nylon, both housing types cater to specific preferences, allowing users to choose based on their auditory inclinations and tactile desires.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 42 grams, suggesting that users will experience similar initial pressure when triggering a keystroke, making both options suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the Jelly switch distinguishes itself with a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly heavier push to bottom out compared to the Honey Bean, for which that data is unavailable. Consequently, while both switches enable a similar tactile experience at actuation, the Jelly switch may be better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier bottom out force. In summary, the Honey Bean is lighter at bottoming out since that information is not provided, while the Jelly is definitively the heavier switch, making it ideal for those looking for a more pronounced feeling with each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we find that the Honey Bean measures 3.7 mm, while the Jelly has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Honey Bean would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly, with its 3.8 mm distance, may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for users who prefer a deeper press. Therefore, while both switches offer a relatively close travel distance, the Honey Bean is the shorter option, making it suitable for those who favor speed, whereas the Jelly caters to those who appreciate a richer key press experience.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 considering the sound profile of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, users can expect a notably muted experience. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional clacky switches, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as open offices or shared spaces. The emphasis on silent operation contributes to a discreet yet satisfying typing experience, allowing users to focus on their tasks without distraction. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound. This richer audio signature, while likely more pronounced than the Honey Bean, is still appealing to many users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, both switches offer distinct yet complementary qualities. The Honey Bean is known for its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force to activate, making it perfect for long typing sessions. This gentle resistance is bolstered by a feathery touch, which significantly increases comfort by reducing finger fatigue. Users will find the typing experience relaxed and responsive. On the other hand, while the Jelly switch also boasts a lightweight actuation force of 42g, its exact feel remains unspecified. However, the combination of good factory lubrication typically results in a smooth keypress, which aligns with the overall expectations for linear switches.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Jelly linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean excels in providing a muted sound and an incredibly light and comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for quiet environments and long typing sessions. The Jelly, while producing a more pronounced sound signature, likely features a smooth action due to its factory lube. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying linear experience, but your choice may depend on your specific sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch hinges on your specific preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you’re looking for a delightful, light, and nearly silent typing experience, the Honey Bean would be your best bet. Its muted sound profile and feathery feel make it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, while also ensuring that your typing feels effortless and comfortable, diminishing any finger fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, if you favor a bit more tactile feedback and a deeper thocky sound, the HMX Jelly switch would be more suitable. With its light actuation force and distinctive sound signature, it provides an engaging experience that might be more enjoyable for casual gaming or for those who appreciate the satisfying audio from their key presses. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a silent operation with ease of use or a more pronounced auditory experience that still maintains a level of smoothness and comfort.
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