Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When evaluating the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Mars mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer their own unique attributes that cater to different user preferences. The Honey Bean switch is renowned for its light, feathery action and silent operation, making it an excellent choice for office settings or any shared workspace where noise reduction is paramount. Its muted feedback provides a discreet yet satisfying typing experience, perfect for those who prioritize tranquility while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative design, featuring a POK stem and a blend of Nylon and POM housing, which helps enhance durability and performance. While the Mars switches might not emphasize noise reduction to the same extent, their unique construction promises a reliable and enjoyable typing feel. Both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts but shine in different aspects; 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Gateron Mars switches feature different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles during typing. The Honey Bean employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing known for producing a deep, muted sound that creates a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars comes with a nylon top housing, a classic material that also yields a deeper sound but does so by virtue of nylon's softer composition, which absorbs more sound. As a result, while both switches generate a deeper sound profile, the Honey Bean's POM top may produce a slightly crisper acoustic experience, while the Mars emphasizes a fuller, rounder sound. This distinction in the top housing materials suggests that users might perceive a different auditory character between the two despite their similar depth of sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize the same POM material, which is significant in shaping the overall experience when both switches bottom out. POM's properties create a muted sound characteristic, ensuring that the bottom-out experience remains similar across both models. As a result, when users press down on the switches, the feel and sound produced by the Honey Bean and Mars will align closely in that aspect, grounding the distinction created by their top housing materials. The POM bottom housing contributes equally to the overall performance of both switches, ensuring that any differences in typing experience will primarily come from the contrasts in their respective top housings.
Overall, while both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron Mars switches feature a congruent POM bottom housing that produces a similar auditory experience at the bottom-out point, their differing top materials create a notable contrast in sound profile when the key is released. The deeper, more muted sound from the Honey Bean's POM top may appeal to users seeking a more niche sound, while the Gateron Mars, with its nylon top, could attract those who favor a softer and fuller sound. Ultimately, users looking for comparable results in terms of bottom-out feel and sound will find that both switches perform similarly, yet the individuality of each type comes alive when considering the unique attributes of their top housing materials.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron Mars linear switches each have their unique characteristics when it comes to actuation force. The Honey Bean features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option between the two, while the Mars has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference in actuation force means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may find the Honey Bean more comfortable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which limits our ability to compare how they feel when pressed all the way down. Without specific bottom out force data, we can conclude that both switches may provide a similar experience in that regard, but the overall difference in actuation force suggests that the Honey Bean is geared toward users who favor ease of keystrokes, whereas the Mars caters to those desiring a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, we see a slight differentiation that may influence user preference. The Honey Bean features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Mars has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for those who prioritize responsiveness, the Gateron Mars may provide a slight edge due to its shorter travel distance, potentially resulting in quicker actuation during gameplay. Conversely, the Honey Bean, with its longer travel distance, might cater to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, offering a deeper and perhaps more satisfying tactile experience. Therefore, your choice between these two switches could depend largely on whether you prefer faster response times or the comfort of a more pronounced key travel.
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 Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 stands out with its muted characteristics, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that is perfect for shared spaces and office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. They produce a discreet sound that doesn’t disrupt others, ensuring a peaceful working atmosphere. Unfortunately, the sound profile of the Gateron Mars switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare their auditory qualities. However, it's important to note that sound can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used, which means the exact impact of the Mars switches remains unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switches shine with their easy-to-press and feathery action. These switches require minimal actuation force, making them exceptionally comfortable for long typing sessions without the risk of finger fatigue. The smooth linear motion allows for a responsive experience that enhances overall typing efficiency, whether for work or gaming. In contrast, no specific descriptions of the feel for the Gateron Mars switch are available, leaving an important aspect of user experience unaddressed.
In summary, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a compelling choice for those seeking a quiet, easy-to-press switch that excels in comfort during prolonged use. Their muted sound signature and light feel are ideal for office settings or shared environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch, while noted for its innovative design, lacks sufficient information for a comprehensive comparison. If you prioritize a quiet and light typing experience, the Honey Bean switches will certainly meet those needs, whereas the qualities of the Mars switch remain a mystery and may require further exploration to understand their performance fully.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your specific priorities and usage scenarios. If you find yourself in a shared workspace or an environment where noise is a concern, the Honey Bean’s muted, light, and feathery action makes it an ideal option. It allows you to type comfortably for extended sessions without disturbing others, thanks to its silent and easy-to-press design. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that brings innovation and unique materials into play, the Gateron Mars switch might be more appealing, particularly if you're interested in exploring different tactile experiences in gaming or typing. While details about its sound and feel are less defined, the Mars's POK stem and Nylon-POM housing could offer a balance of durability and performance you might appreciate. Ultimately, think about your environment and what kind of typing experience enhances your productivity and enjoyment—whether it's the soft and silent nature of the Honey Bean or the innovative design of the Mars.
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