Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Jupiter Banana switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it's clear that they each offer unique advantages for different preferences. The Honey Bean's linear action and silent operation make it a perfect choice for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana stands out with its high-precision molds, softer backlight effects, and two-stage springs for a strong return and consistent feel. While the Honey Bean is described as 'easy-to-press', 'feathery', and 'muted', the Jupiter Banana is known for being 'polished', 'high-pitched', 'creamy', and 'resonant'. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific typing preferences and needs. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
69g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Honey Bean features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the sharper, higher-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to its pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana offers a deeper and fuller sound experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Honey Bean and Jupiter Banana differ, they each bring unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean has a more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana creates a sharper and crisper sound. When it comes to the bottom housing, the POM material of the Honey Bean contributes to a deeper sound, while the nylon material of the Jupiter Banana absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Jupiter Banana play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. While the POM top housing of the Honey Bean creates a unique and pleasing sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Banana offers a sharper and crisper sound. The differences in bottom housing materials also contribute to distinct sound experiences, with the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean providing a deeper sound and the nylon bottom housing of the Jupiter Banana offering a fuller sound. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Jupiter Banana's heavier 59 grams. The bottom out force of the Jupiter Banana is also heavier at 69 grams, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Honey Bean more comfortable for extended use, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Jupiter Banana. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, with the Honey Bean providing a linear feel and the Jupiter Banana offering a tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force for the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may lead to a slightly different typing experience, with the Honey Bean providing a slightly deeper key press compared to the Jupiter Banana. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for 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 Jupiter Banana comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, we observe distinct differences. In terms of sound, the Honey Bean offers a muted and quiet typing experience, ideal for those seeking a discreet switch for shared environments. On the other hand, the Jupiter Banana produces a high-pitched and resonant sound, providing a sharper auditory feedback. When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean is easy-to-press and feathery, offering a light and responsive typing experience. Contrastingly, the Jupiter Banana is polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined feel with enhanced return force. If a user prefers a quieter typing experience with gentle resistance, the Honey Bean is the way to go. Conversely, for those who enjoy a sharper sound profile and smooth key travel, the Jupiter Banana is the suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value a silent typing experience and light actuation with minimal force, the Honey Bean may be the right choice for you, especially in shared environments like an office. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and precise typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Jupiter Banana could be the better option, especially for those who appreciate a strong return and consistent feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as sound profile, typing feel, and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. It's all about finding the switch that best suits your personal preferences and typing style.
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