Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are two popular options worth considering. The Honey Bean switch is praised for its light and linear action, paired with a silent operation that makes it ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) from Gateron is known for its smoothness and satisfying resistance, making it a versatile switch suitable for both gaming and typing purposes. While the Honey Bean offers a feathery and muted typing experience, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a bassy and buttery sensation with a low-pitched "thocky" sound. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific use cases. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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 main difference between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) lies in their housing materials. The Honey Bean features POM top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both switches aim for a deeper sound profile, the choice of housing materials gives each switch a unique character in terms of sound output.
Despite using different housing materials for the top and bottom housings, both the Honey Bean and the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) aim for a similar result in terms of sound profile. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean and the nylon top housing of the Milky Yellow Pro both contribute to a deeper sound when pressing down on the switch. However, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, with POM providing a more muted tone and nylon creating a fuller sound. This split in housing materials allows for a nuanced sound experience that caters to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. The POM housing of the Honey Bean offers a unique and pleasing sound that is relatively more muted, while the nylon housing of the Milky Yellow Pro provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches excel in creating a satisfying typing experience, with the housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall sound output. Whether you prefer a softer and rounder sound or a deeper and fuller tone, both switches offer a distinct sound profile that will enhance your typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has a bottom out force of 62 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Honey Bean may be preferred by individuals looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) may cater to those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for keystroke force when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Honey Bean offers a slightly quicker keypress due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Honey Bean for this reason. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) provides a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 and soft sound that is perfect for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch produces a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound that adds a deep and rich tone to each key press. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Honey Bean focusing on a quiet typing experience and the Milky Yellow Pro offering a more satisfying and bass-heavy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, providing minimal resistance and requiring little exertion from the fingers. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch offers a buttery and textured feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with noticeable friction when pressed. Both switches offer a unique tactile sensation that caters to different preferences, with the Honey Bean focusing on a light and effortless typing feel and the Milky Yellow Pro offering a more textured and uniform typing sensation.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switches each have their own subjective qualities that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience with its muted sound and easy-to-press feel, the Milky Yellow Pro offers a satisfying and bass-heavy sound with a buttery and textured feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide a unique typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a switch that provides a silent and discreet typing experience, perfect for office or shared environments, then the Honey Bean switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly switch that excels in both gaming and typing with its smoothness and satisfying resistance, then the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences in terms of sound, feel, and intended usage. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose wisely based on what suits your typing style best.
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