Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, particularly when comparing two compelling options: the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its delightful and feathery linear action, coupled with a silent operation that makes it ideal for office settings or any shared environment where minimizing noise is paramount. Its easy-to-press design allows for a comfortable typing experience without the distraction of audible clicks. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch offers a bright and clacky sound profile that caters to those seeking an engaging and immersive typing experience. Its unique hall effect mechanism elevates the acoustic quality, making it a top choice for enthusiasts looking to enhance their Wooting keyboard's performance. While the Honey Bean excels in discreetness and lightness, the Magnetic Jade is perfect for those who revel in sound and tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

$8.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches both exhibit distinct sound profiles resulting from their differing housing materials. The Honey Bean utilizes a POM top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound that brings an incredibly pleasing auditory experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, high-pitched sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This key difference means that while each switch can offer exceptional sound quality, the Honey Bean is more suited for those who prefer a bass-driven auditory experience, whereas the Magnetic Jade caters to users who enjoy a crisper high-frequency sound.

When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the materials continue to diverge in their acoustic characteristics. The Honey Bean again employs POM, a material that enhances the deeper sound profile with a unique quality, whereas the Magnetic Jade opts for a nylon bottom housing. Nylon’s softer nature provides a fuller and rounder sound, further contributing to a more muted auditory experience. This contrast underscores how the housing material used in each switch plays a critical role in defining the typing experience — POM consistently delivers a muted yet pleasing sound, while nylon absorbs sound to create depth, marking an intriguing variation between the two switches.

When considering how the unique qualities of each housing material affect the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that the interplay between top and bottom housings significantly influences the sound produced. For example, the Honey Bean's uniform use of POM results in a cohesive auditory signature, while the Magnetic Jade's juxtaposition of stiffer polycarbonate on top and softer nylon below creates a dynamic sound interaction. While the switches utilize different materials, individuals seeking specific audio characteristics can find satisfaction in either option. Ultimately, this comparison highlights how sound and tactile feedback are intricately linked to the choice of housing materials, allowing for a spectrum of personal preference tailored to individual typing styles.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we can see distinct differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Honey Bean switch has a higher actuation force of 42 grams, making it a heavier option, while the Magnetic Jade offers a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, appealing to those who prefer less resistance for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unspecified, which leaves a gap in our understanding of its overall resistance when fully depressed. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch has a definitive bottom out force of 55 grams, indicative of a medium-light feel. Overall, those seeking a lighter typing experience would lean towards the Gateron Magnetic Jade, while those favoring a more substantial push would likely prefer the heavier Jerrzi Honey Bean.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, we find a subtle yet significant difference. The Honey Bean has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Magnetic Jade measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Honey Bean the switch with the longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's shorter travel distance could provide quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize speed in their actions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches stand out with their muted acoustics, producing a softer and quieter typing experience that is ideal for shared spaces like offices. This silence enhances the focus of those working nearby, allowing for prolonged usage without causing distractions. Conversely, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches provide a bright and clacky sound that is characteristic of many mechanical switches but is particularly pronounced with these hall effect switches. Their lively auditory feedback resonates with users who enjoy a more acoustic and tactile experience, potentially making them less suitable for quiet environments.

In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switches are exceptionally user-friendly, offering an easy-to-press sensation that demands minimal force for activation. This gentle resistance contributes to a comfortable typing experience, greatly reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, their feathery nature means that each keystroke feels almost weightless, promoting comfort whether you're typing, gaming, or participating in online classes. Meanwhile, details regarding the feel of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches remain unspecified, leaving that aspect as an unknown variable.

Overall, both switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Jerrzi Honey Bean excels in quiet settings with a light touch, offering a muted yet satisfying experience, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade brings a more vibrant sound that appeals to enthusiasts who favor auditory feedback. The choice between the two would ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a silent operation or a more pronounced acoustic experience, as well as the nature of your use case—be it casual typing at work or an engaging gaming session.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches and Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you're looking for a switch that offers a light, smooth feel with silent operation, the Honey Bean is an excellent choice, particularly if you work in a shared space where noise is a concern. These switches are exceptionally easy to press, which minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making them ideal for everyday office tasks or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you desire a more pronounced auditory experience and are willing to embrace a bit of sound with your typing, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches will be more to your liking. Their medium-light bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile resistance, and they excel at delivering a clackier sound, making them suitable for those who enjoy the feedback and performance typically found in higher-end gaming or customizable keyboards. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a quieter, feather-light typing experience or a more dynamic, auditory feedback-filled interaction with your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect

$8.00 per 10

Learn more