Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch stand out as popular options. The Honey Bean switches offer an easy-to-press, feathery feel with muted sound, making them ideal for quiet environments such as offices. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switches provide a stepped, snappy tactility that results in a distinct bottom-out sound. While the Honey Bean is perfect for those seeking a discreet typing experience, the Matcha is preferred by those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Matcha differ in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The POM top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean create a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Matcha produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This distinction in sound profiles is attributed to the properties of the materials used in the housings. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a favorable choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the Matcha.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Honey Bean and the Matcha both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound of the switch. While the POM housing of the Honey Bean creates a unique and pleasing sound profile, the polycarbonate housing of the Matcha offers a sharper and clearer sound. The choice between the two materials ultimately depends on the desired sound characteristics and aesthetic preferences of the user. Regardless of the material used, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can impact the sound and feel of both pressing down and releasing a key. The qualities brought by the bottom housing influence the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials highlights the importance of selecting housing materials that complement each other to achieve the desired typing experience. Whether it be the POM housing of the Honey Bean or the polycarbonate housing of the Matcha, both materials contribute to the overall performance and sound characteristics of the switch.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the KTT Matcha tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches do not have a specified bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Matcha is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The Honey Bean's bottom out force remains unknown. The actuation force is crucial for determining the ease of triggering a keystroke, while the bottom out force is important for determining the overall typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Matcha for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier actuation force of the Honey Bean for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Matcha tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can affect the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers may prefer the Honey Bean for its slightly shorter travel distance, leading to faster response times. On the other hand, some users may prefer the Matcha for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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, producing a softer and quieter sound that is perfect for a shared environment or office setting. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch delivers a distinctively clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Honey Bean focusing on a more discreet typing experience and the Matcha delivering a crisper and brighter sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Honey Bean is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses that require minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing efficiency and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it a comfortable and responsive option. Meanwhile, the KTT Matcha switch provides a stepped and snappy tactile feedback, offering a medium level of tactility that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, with the Honey Bean emphasizing effortless typing and the Matcha focusing on a more pronounced tactile response.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer distinct advantages in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet and smooth typing experience, ideal for shared workspaces, while the Matcha stands out with its crisp and responsive tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy. Whether you prefer a muted and easy-to-press switch or a clacky and snappy one, both options cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the Honey Bean and Matcha switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a decision between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you value a silent operation and a light, linear typing experience, the Honey Bean switches would be ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy tactility and a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
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