Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Medium Tactile offer unique experiences for users. The Jerrzi Honey Bean is a linear switch that provides a light and smooth typing experience, ideal for those working in shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept at a minimum. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a balanced tactility with a satisfying sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit more feedback while typing. Both switches have their own set of qualities that make them appealing, but ultimately the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing habits. 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
65g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Medium Tactile both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Honey Bean's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharp and high-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly influence the typing experience for users, with the POM top housing offering a more subdued sound compared to the crispness of the polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Honey Bean's POM housing also provides a deep and muted sound profile, whereas the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. This difference in sound can impact the overall typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing absorbing more sound and creating a softer, duller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean. These contrasting sound profiles highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
While the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Medium Tactile offer distinct sound profiles, their differences in sound can complement each other when used in combination. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, along with the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, showcases the importance of both housing materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience. Ultimately, whether using POM or nylon for the bottom housing and polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect to achieve satisfying results in terms of sound and feel when incorporating these housing materials into their mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which does not specify its actuation force. However, the Durock switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a light typing experience, the Honey Bean may be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. However, for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel and prefer a switch with a heavier force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be the ideal option. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is 3.7mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Honey Bean has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile. The shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Medium Tactile may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Both switches provide a tactile experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may result in a different typing feel for each switch. Overall, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preferences 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. This makes it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. The sound produced by both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Honey Bean switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a feathery touch. This light actuation force enhances typing ease and comfort, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch provides a balanced tactility that is not overwhelming yet not subtle, offering a stepped feel with a mild and polished finish. Both switches offer a distinct typing experience with their unique tactile profiles.
Overall, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch excels in providing a quiet and effortless typing experience with its soft sound and light feel, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch stands out for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. Depending on your personal preferences and typing needs, both switches offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, albeit in different ways. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and noise level. If you prioritize a light and linear typing action with minimal sound, the Honey Bean switch would be an excellent choice, especially in quiet or shared environments like the office. On the other hand, if you enjoy a balanced tactility with a unique sound profile, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be more suitable, providing a jelly-like tactile feedback without being overly pronounced. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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