Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Dareu Mahjong
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Mahjong switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to ponder are the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Mahjong, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Honey Bean switches are revered for their silent operation and light, linear action, making them ideal for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Mahjong switches stand out with their lively sound signature and effortless typing experience, thanks to their unique green and white color scheme. While the Honey Bean leans towards a feathery and easy-to-press feel, the Mahjong offers a bouncy and polished typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POK
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 Dareu Mahjong differ significantly in terms of their top and bottom housings. The Honey Bean utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is deep and muted. On the other hand, the Mahjong employs POK for the top housing, offering smooth and clacky switches, and nylon for the bottom housing, providing a fuller and deeper sound profile. The POK material used in the Mahjong is highly durable with exceptional wear resistance, surpassing the strength of POM by a significant margin.
While the top housing materials of the Honey Bean and the Mahjong offer distinct sound profiles, their bottom housings provide a more subtle yet important impact on the overall typing experience. The POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to its unique sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mahjong absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The combination of different housing materials in the Mahjong allows for a more versatile typing experience with a balance of smoothness and depth in sound.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Mahjong play a significant role in shaping the typing experience for users. While both switches offer pleasing sound profiles, the Mahjong stands out for its use of POK and nylon materials in the top and bottom housings, respectively. The durability and smoothness provided by the POK material in the Mahjong's top housing, paired with the fuller sound profile of the nylon bottom housing, offer a unique and versatile typing experience that sets it apart from the Honey Bean.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams while the Mahjong is slightly heavier at 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Honey Bean may appeal to users who prefer a softer typing experience and those looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Mahjong may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference - the shorter travel distance of the Mahjong switch may offer a quicker and more responsive feel, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Honey Bean switch could provide a more substantial and satisfying key press. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, so you can expect similar performance from either option.
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 Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is important, such as in an office setting. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate level of noise that is suitable for various purposes. The Mahjong switch provides a lively and poppy sound signature that adds a unique touch to your typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in an effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the feathery feel of the Honey Bean switch further enhances its light and responsive typing feel. Conversely, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch provides a bouncy sensation with a mild touch, giving a spring-like feedback that adds a dynamic element to your typing. The polished finish of the Mahjong switch contributes to a sleek and smooth key travel experience, reducing friction and enhancing overall typing comfort.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Honey Bean switch is a great choice with its muted sound and easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, the Mahjong switch provides a lively sound signature and a bouncy yet polished typing sensation for those looking for a dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing dynamics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you require a silent and discreet typing experience, especially in an office or shared setting, the Honey Bean switches with their light and linear action would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique and lively typing experience with a poppy sound profile, the Mahjong switches may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the atmosphere in which you'll be using the keyboard. Happy typing!