Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Mallo stand out as notable options with distinct characteristics. The Honey Bean, a linear switch, is renowned for its light and linear action, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the Mallo, a tactile switch, offers a subtle tactility that provides feedback without being overwhelming, creating a balanced typing experience. While the Honey Bean is best suited for those seeking a silent and easy-to-press typing experience, the Mallo appeals to typists looking for a gentle tactility and neutral sound signature. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and KTT Mallo both utilize different materials for their housing, with the Honey Bean featuring a POM top and bottom housing while the Mallo opts for a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM housing of the Honey Bean creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo produces a sharper and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Mallo, on the other hand, gives a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean.
Both switches showcase a contrast in sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The POM housing of the Honey Bean offers a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo creates a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Mallo absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean. Despite these differences, both switches highlight the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Overall, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and KTT Mallo housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The POM housing of the Honey Bean provides a unique and pleasant sound that is deep and muted, while the polycarbonate and nylon housing of the Mallo offers a sharper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a softer sound with the Honey Bean's POM housing or a crisper sound with the Mallo's polycarbonate and nylon housing, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean is lighter in terms of actuation force at 42 grams, while the Mallo's actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Mallo is heavier at 55 grams compared to the Honey Bean's unknown bottom out force. The Honey Bean offers a lighter typing experience with a gentler actuation force, which may be preferable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Mallo provides a more substantial push feel with its heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Both switches have their advantages based on individual preferences and typing habits, with the Honey Bean offering a lighter touch and the Mallo providing a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mallo switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey Bean switch. The Mallo switch might provide a bit more depth and tactile feedback due to its longer travel distance, making it a better option for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. On the other hand, the Honey Bean switch with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preference.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted experience, providing a softer and quieter typing sound that is ideal for shared environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch boasts a neutral sound profile with subtle and subdued characteristics that make it versatile and suitable for various typing environments. Both switches provide a pleasant typing sound, with the Honey Bean being particularly focused on minimizing noise, while the Mallo offers a more balanced and versatile sound signature.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean linear switch is known for its easy-to-press nature and feathery touch, offering a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Similarly, the KTT Mallo tactile switch features a feathery feel that requires minimal exertion, making it comfortable for long typing sessions for activities like gaming, school, or work. Both switches provide a gentle typing experience, with the Honey Bean leaning towards an easy and low-impact feel, while the Mallo offers a more subtle and approachable typing sensation with mild characteristics.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch excels in providing a quiet and discreet typing experience, making it a perfect choice for office or shared spaces. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a balanced tactile feedback with a versatile sound profile that suits various typing environments. While the Honey Bean emphasizes noise reduction and light linear action, the Mallo strikes a middle ground with its subtle tactility and neutral sound signature. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, with similar results in terms of feel and sound quality.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience in a shared setting like an office, the Honey Bean switch with its light and linear action would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactility and balanced typing feel that is versatile for various environments, the Mallo switch with its medium-light bottom out force would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a silent operation or a gentle tactile feedback in your typing experience.
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