Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh BCP each present unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its delightful, light action and silent operation, making it an ideal choice for those in shared environments such as offices where noise reduction is a priority. This switch provides an easy-to-press feel that is both feathery and muted, delivering a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh BCP reinvents the beloved Black Cherry Pies with a design that eliminates disassembly hassles. Users can expect a creamy, elastic, and bouncy feel while typing, accompanied by a distinctively poppy and clacky sound profile that adds a layer of auditory feedback many find enjoyable. While the Honey Bean focuses on a more subdued approach perfect for quiet settings, the BCP caters to those who appreciate an engaging and lively typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh BCP, we see that both designs utilize different plastics that contribute to their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Honey Bean utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for delivering a uniquely pleasing, deeper, and relatively muted acoustics. The design emphasizes a cohesive sound signature reflective of the materials used, producing a satisfying auditory experience that’s consistent through both components of the switch. In contrast, the Kailh BCP features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is recognized as a classic choice in mechanical switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound better than POM, leading to a similarly deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit with slightly different acoustic characteristics.
While both switches deliver a deeper and more muted auditory experience, the tactile qualities of the materials differ in terms of sound absorption and resonance. POM housing in the Honey Bean generates a more pronounced acoustic quality, leading to clear, crisp feedback with each keystroke. The BCP's nylon, on the other hand, creates a sound signature that is rounder and potentially duller due to its sound-absorbing properties. This means that while both switches can achieve similar tonal depth, the nuances of their respective housing materials influence the typing feel and sound quality distinctly. This variance is crucial for users seeking specific auditory feedback while typing or gaming.
In practice, if you were to use both switches in a keyboard, you'll notice that the POM full enclosure of the Honey Bean allows for a more vibrant sound characterized by a slightly brighter quality, while the Kailh BCP's nylon absorption leads to a softer auditory experience. This difference primarily affects the acoustics you perceive when typing; however, the overall performance may feel comparably solid thanks to how both designs leverage their materials to optimize sound depth and user experience. For enthusiasts looking to achieve similar results, strategic pairing of switches or sound-dampening materials could help align the auditory outcomes, providing a satisfying typing experience reflective of individual preference.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Honey Bean has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches, which is ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Kailh BCP features a stronger actuation force of 52 grams, suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the BCP has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when pressing the key all the way down. The Honey Bean’s bottom out force is unavailable, so we cannot compare this directly; however, without this measurement, we can infer that the overall typing experience may feel lighter with the Honey Bean. Therefore, if you're looking for a more relaxed typing experience, the Honey Bean is likely the better option, whereas the Kailh BCP might be favored by those who appreciate a firmer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, the Honey Bean features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the BCP measures at 3.5 mm. Consequently, the Honey Bean offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. For gamers or users who prioritize faster response times, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the BCP may be more appealing as it can lead to quicker actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a deeper tactile experience might prefer the Honey Bean due to its greater travel distance. In essence, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding key travel depth 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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 boasts a notably muted profile, designed to minimize the auditory footprint typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This quality makes it especially suitable for office environments or shared spaces, where a quieter operation is often desirable. In contrast, the Kailh BCP linear switch, while not explicitly detailed, is known for its creamy sound, which might suggest a more pronounced acoustic quality. However, sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard's build and keycap choice, so users should keep that in mind when evaluating these switches.
When discussing the feel of these switches, it's clear that the Honey Bean offers an exceptionally light and responsive typing experience. Characterized by an easy-to-press action and a feathery touch, these switches allow for minimal resistance during key presses, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. The BCP's characteristics regarding feel were not specified, leaving an unknown factor in how it compares. However, the Honey Bean's traits provide a satisfying low-impact experience that many typists and gamers have come to appreciate.
Considering all the provided information, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch stands out for its quiet operation and comfortable feel, making it ideal for those in need of a discreet yet enjoyable typing experience. The Kailh BCP linear switch, although less defined in certain aspects, suggests a more engaging sound profile and potentially different feel. Ultimately, users looking for muted operation and light actuation may find the Honey Bean to be their go-to, while those who value a dynamic auditory response might be intrigued by the BCP option. Exploring these switches in practice, especially with various keyboards and keycaps, will help users discover the nuances of each option.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches and Kailh BCP linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light, effortless typing experience that is silent and perfect for shared workspaces, the Honey Bean switches are an excellent choice. Their muted operation and feathery feel ensure that you can type or game for extended periods without causing a disturbance or experiencing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with a bit of resistance and a satisfying auditory feedback, the Kailh BCP switches might be better suited for you. With their medium-heavy bottom-out force and unique bouncy feel, they provide a more engaging typing experience that can be particularly appealing for creative work or gaming where feedback is key. Ultimately, consider your environment, typing style, and personal preferences regarding sound and force when making your decision between these two distinctive switch options.
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