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Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. KTT Lightning

An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Lightning, both linear switches. The Honey Bean is renowned for its light and linear action, perfect for an office or shared environment where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Lightning is known for its speed, making it ideal for situations where milliseconds count. While the Honey Bean offers a feathery and muted typing experience, the Lightning provides a clacky and polished feel. 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

43g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

50g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.00 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Total travel

3.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Partial box

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

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Lightning offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profile and feel. The Honey Bean utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound when typing. In contrast, the Lightning features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while its nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and rounder sound. This showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by a mechanical keyboard switch.

While the Honey Bean and KTT Lightning differ in their choice of housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique typing experience through the characteristics of their respective materials. The POM housings of the Honey Bean offer a pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, while the polycarbonate and nylon housings of the Lightning cater to those seeking a sharper or fuller sound. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality, demonstrating the importance of housing materials in achieving the desired typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Lightning comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The use of POM in the Honey Bean's housing creates a distinct sound that may appeal to those who prefer a more muted typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate and nylon housing materials of the Lightning offer a crisper and fuller sound profile, providing a different typing sensation. Whether one prefers the deeper sound of POM or the sharper sound of polycarbonate, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is clear that the Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Lightning's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning at 50 grams is heavier than the unknown bottom out force of the Honey Bean. This means that while the Honey Bean may be easier to trigger a keystroke with, the Lightning offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different advantages - the Honey Bean is lighter and may be preferred for longer periods of typing, while the Lightning provides a stronger push feel for those seeking a more robust typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Lightning's 3 mm travel distance. The Honey Bean offers a slightly deeper key press experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Lightning provides a shallower travel distance, which can result in faster response times and may be favored by gamers looking for quick keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is preferred. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Honey Bean providing a deeper experience and the Lightning offering a quicker 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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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

In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted experience, producing a softer and quieter sound that is ideal for environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving a crisp and percussive typing experience with a slight chirpy quality. Depending on personal preference, the Honey Bean switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Lightning switch would appeal to individuals who enjoy a more pronounced and lively sound while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is characterized by an easy-to-press and feathery sensation, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. In comparison, the KTT Lightning switch offers a subtle and polished feel, with a gentle resistance that is not as light as feather but still provides a comfortable typing experience. The polished finish of the Lightning switch contributes to a smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing feel.

Taking into account all the available information, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch excels in providing a quiet and effortless typing experience with its muted sound profile and easy-to-press feel. In contrast, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a more lively and polished typing experience with its clacky sound profile and subtle feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. However, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a quiet and pleasant typing experience for an office or shared environment, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch would be a great choice. With its light and linear action, you can type effortlessly without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you require a switch that is responsive and fast, especially for competitive gaming or situations where speed is crucial, the KTT Lightning linear switch would be the better option with its light actuation force. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific typing needs and preferences, whether it be for a quiet and smooth typing experience or a fast and responsive one.

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