Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can significantly influence your overall typing experience, especially when comparing options like the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Lucky, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its light and feathery action, delivering a silent keystroke that makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise level matters. This switch provides a muted yet enjoyable typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize discretion without sacrificing satisfaction. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch features softer, glittery nylon housings that yield a neutral tactile feedback, catering to users who seek a comfortable, deeply satisfying typing sensation. While both switches excel in their own right, the Honey Bean shines in settings where quiet operation is paramount, while the Lucky appeals to those who desire a plush feel under their fingers. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Lucky switches utilize different materials for their housing tops and bottoms, which affects their overall sound and feel during use. The Honey Bean features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, while the Lucky opts for nylon in both the top and bottom housings. POM is known for creating a unique sound profile that tends to be deeper and more muted, resulting in a pleasant auditory experience. Likewise, the nylon material used in the Lucky's construction is also designed to promote a fuller sound profile. This similarity in sound characteristics suggests that both switches have potential for producing a rich auditory feedback, albeit through different material compositions.
When considering the impact of the different housing materials on the switch's performance, it is crucial to recognize how they contribute to both sound and feel during typing. The POM material in the Honey Bean, being a harder plastic, might lend itself to a more resonant sound upon bottoming out, while the nylon in the Lucky might absorb more sound, creating a softer landing. This nuanced difference means that while both switches may deliver a deeper tone, the Honey Bean could be perceived as slightly sharper and more pronounced, while the Lucky might be viewed as rounder and less jarring in its acoustics.
Ultimately, despite their differences, the two switches share an underlying goal of delivering a satisfying typing experience, and both could yield similar results in certain acoustical aspects. The impact of the bottom housing is critical for bottom-out sounds, while the top housing shapes the release sound. With the Honey Bean's POM material emphasizing a unique tonal quality and the Lucky's nylon creating a rounder, more subdued output, users can experience complementary sound profiles. This divergence in materials illustrates how different combinations can lead to a satisfying typing sensation while still retaining a deep and enjoyable auditory experience, inviting enthusiasts to explore both options to find their personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force which influence their typing experience. The Honey Bean features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Lucky is lighter at 37 grams, making it easier to press down and perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unavailable, whereas the Lucky's bottom out force is documented at 43 grams, indicating it requires a slightly stronger push to fully depress the key. This difference suggests that while the actuation experience may feel lighter with the Lucky switch, the overall experience when bottoming out may be firmer compared to the Honey Bean. Consequently, the Lucky switch caters to users seeking a more immediate response with less initial effort, while the Honey Bean may provide a more substantial feel, although the lack of bottom out data prevents a complete comparison in that regard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, the Honey Bean measures 3.7 mm, while the Lucky has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that for those who favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, the Honey Bean would be the preferred option, offering a more immediate feedback upon keypress. On the other hand, the Lucky switch, with its additional 0.1 mm of travel, may appeal to users who enjoy a bit more depth when typing, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences, with the Honey Bean being the shorter option and the Lucky being the longer one.
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 Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
The sound of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is characterized as muted, making these switches particularly suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority. This muted quality produces a soft, quiet response that minimizes the typical sounds associated with mechanical switches, allowing for a more serene typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch does not have a specific sound profile provided, so it remains unknown how it would compare to the Honey Bean in terms of auditory feedback. It's worth noting, however, that the sound emitted by a switch can be influenced by factors such as the type of keyboard and keycap materials, meaning users might achieve a quiet typing experience with both switches depending on their setup.
When we look at the feel of the switches, the Honey Bean is praised for being easy to press and having a feathery lightness that minimizes the exertion required from the fingers. This translates to a typing experience that is not only comfortable but also reduces the risk of finger fatigue over lengthy typing sessions, whether they are for work, school, or gaming. The HMX Lucky, while described in glowing terms with its soft and glittery nylon housings, does not have detailed information regarding its feel, so a direct comparison in this aspect cannot be made. Users might find the Lucky also provides a satisfying typing touch, yet the specifics remain uncertain.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Lucky linear switches offer appealing qualities to typists, though the Honey Bean stands out with its muted sound profile and light, easy-to-press feel, making it especially suited for quiet environments. While we lack information on the sound and feel of the Lucky switches, their description suggests they could provide a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater towards a user base that appreciates a lightweight and satisfying typing experience, highlighting how personal preferences and the choice of keyboard setup will significantly influence the overall outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a switch that provides an incredibly smooth and quiet experience, particularly in office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern, the Honey Bean is definitely the way to go. Its muted sound profile and feathery feel make it ideal for extended typing sessions without the worry of bothering others around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more tactile and satisfying feedback while still enjoying a light typing experience, the HMX Lucky might be your best bet. With its soft actuation and neutral feel, it's great for both casual typing and gaming, providing a unique tactile sensation that enhances your overall experience. In summary, choose the Honey Bean for an ultra-quiet, gentle touch, and consider the Lucky for a more responsive experience with a deeper engagement.
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