Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, you are presented with two distinct options to consider. The Honey Bean switches offer a delightful, light, and linear action with silent operation, making them ideal for quiet environments such as the office. On the other hand, the Koalas provide a balanced tactile feel with a pronounced bump without being too loud, catering to those who enjoy a bit of feedback in their keystrokes. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Koala is known for being 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', 'Accented', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', and 'Stiff'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Koala offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different properties. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Koala produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a certain sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a preferred choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding another dimension to the aesthetics of the keyboard.
The bottom housing materials of the Honey Bean and the Koala also contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean adds to the deeper and more muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Koala creates a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM material. This difference in sound can also affect the typing feel and sound experience for users, providing options for those who have preferences for a specific type of typing sound.
It is important to consider both the top and bottom housing materials when choosing a switch, as they each play a significant role in the overall sound profile. While the Honey Bean and the Koala offer contrasting sound profiles due to their differing housing materials, they are both designed to enhance the typing experience for users. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, there is a housing material option available to cater to your preferences. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound profiles can help you make an informed decision when selecting switches for your keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Koala's actuation force is unknown. However, the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Honey Bean's unavailable bottom out force. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey Bean, while those looking for a more substantial feel may opt for the Koala. The actuation force and bottom out force contribute to the overall feel and performance of the switches, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Durock Koala tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Honey Bean offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster input. On the other hand, the Koala provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying to type on. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch provides a muted typing experience, which is ideal for those looking for a quieter option in office settings or shared environments. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a neutral tone, providing a bit of resonance without being overly loud. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preferences and the choice of keyboard setup.
Moving on to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. Conversely, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a polished and accented feel with a stepped tactility that provides a balance between a noticeable bump and a smooth key travel. Additionally, the Koala switch is classified as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force compared to the Honey Bean switch, offering a different typing sensation for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean switch excels in providing a silent and easy-to-press typing experience, ideal for quiet environments and comfortable usage. On the other hand, the Koala switch combines a low-pitched sound profile with a polished and accented feel, offering a unique tactile feedback and a bit more resistance for those seeking a different typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and choosing between them would depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider your surroundings and typing preferences. If you value a quiet and smooth typing experience ideal for an office or shared space, the Honey Bean with its light and linear action is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a bit of resonance and moderate actuation force, the Koala offers a satisfying middle ground. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to your personal typing style, noise tolerance, and desired level of feedback. Choose wisely based on your needs and enjoy a customized typing experience.
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