Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Lupine both offer unique characteristics worth noting. The Honey Bean is a linear switch known for its light and linear action, making it an excellent choice for minimizing noise in office or shared environments. On the other hand, the Lupine stands out for its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution on pressing down and a powerful rebound movement. While the Honey Bean offers a silent and feathery typing experience, the Lupine provides a clacky sound profile with a polished feel. Both switches have their own appeal and cater to different preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Lupine both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Honey Bean's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Lupine's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Lupine allows for a clearer and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, POM in the Honey Bean provides a more subdued and pleasing sound, perfect for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the Honey Bean utilizes POM, which results in a deep and muted sound. In contrast, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than POM, leading to a duller sound that may be preferred by some users. The choice between POM and nylon bottom housings ultimately comes down to personal preference on sound profile, with POM offering a more subdued experience and nylon offering a fuller sound.
While the housing materials of the Honey Bean and the Lupine differ, they both provide unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The split between top and bottom housings means that each material has a specific impact on the sound profile of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key, showcasing the differences in sound profiles between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on individual preference for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock Lupine linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Lupine switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Honey Bean switch is not specified. Despite the difference in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience. Those who prefer a light actuation force may opt for the Honey Bean switch for extended typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Lupine switch for a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making them exactly the same in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users can expect to feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether using the Honey Bean or the Lupine, the typing experience and feel will be consistent in terms of travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 3.7 mm.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. This makes it a great choice for shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a classic clacky sound profile, with a neutral sound overall but having a slightly high-pitched tone. If you prefer a softer sound, the Honey Bean would be the better option, while the Lupine offers a more traditional mechanical keyboard sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press design, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Lupine switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, but the Honey Bean is particularly suited for those looking for a feathery and low-impact typing experience.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with light actuation and easy key presses, the Honey Bean switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a classic clacky sound profile with a more neutral feel and polished finish, the Lupine switch would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches provide quality typing experiences, and the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience and need a switch that is discreet yet satisfying to type on, the Honey Bean switch is the ideal choice for office or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feel with a classic clacky sound profile and prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force, the Lupine switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize noise reduction and light key presses (Honey Bean) or a two-stage spring mechanism and a more tactile typing experience (Lupine). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing needs and preferences.
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