Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron Mini i offer unique features catering to specific preferences. The Honey Bean switch is a linear switch, known for its light and linear action with silent operation, making it ideal for office settings where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch is a tactile switch, providing gentle tactility in each keystroke while maintaining a fairly muted sound profile. Both switches are easy to press and offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Honey Bean leans towards a feathery and muted feel, while the Mini i offers a bouncy and subtle feedback. These differences make each switch suitable for different user preferences and environments. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Mini i, we can see that both switches have unique properties attributed to their materials. The Honey Bean's POM top and bottom housings create a satisfying and muted sound profile, while the Mini i's nylon top and bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound experience. Both housing materials, POM and nylon, are known for their ability to absorb sound, resulting in a more rounded and less sharp sound profile compared to other harder plastics.
However, the difference in sound profile between the two switches lies in the specific qualities of POM and nylon. POM is a harder plastic that offers a more muted and deep sound, while nylon is a softer plastic that provides a fuller and richer sound. This difference in material properties leads to a distinct typing experience for each switch. The Jerrzi Honey Bean may appeal to those who prefer a quieter and more subdued typing sound, while the Gateron Mini i may be more suitable for users who enjoy a deeper and more resonant typing experience.
Despite these differences, both switches demonstrate the impact of housing materials on sound and typing feel. Whether you choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean with its POM housing or the Gateron Mini i with its nylon housing, you can expect a unique and pleasant sound profile that enhances your typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing qualities in each switch also adds a layer of complexity to the sound profile, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we see that the Honey Bean requires a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mini i is lighter at 50 grams, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is not specified. The slightly higher actuation force of the Honey Bean may provide a more deliberate keystroke, while the lighter bottom out force of the Mini i could be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a different typing experience, catering to those who prefer a lighter or heavier feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Honey Bean's 3.7 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The difference of 0.3 mm between the two switches may not be significant to most users, as they will likely experience similar results in terms of key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a slightly shorter or longer travel distance for a more customized 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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 that is ideal for shared environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound level suitable for various settings, whether at home or in the office. Both switches offer a satisfactory sound profile, with the Honey Bean emphasizing a more muted experience, while the Mini i maintains a balanced sound suitable for different users.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch is described as feathery, providing a light and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a bouncy sensation with spring-like feedback, giving a lively feel to each key press. Additionally, the Mini i switch is noted for its easy-to-press quality, making typing effortless and comfortable for extended periods. Both switches provide unique tactile experiences, with the Honey Bean focusing on ease of use and lightness, while the Mini i offers a more playful and responsive feel.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean provides a muted sound profile and an easy-to-press, feathery typing feel that is gentle on the fingers. In contrast, the Mini i switch delivers a neutral sound and a bouncy, lively typing experience with an easy-to-press quality. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer satisfying options for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, whether you choose the Honey Bean or the Mini i, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of quality and performance, tailored to your specific needs and preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a delightful, light, and linear typing experience with minimal noise, then the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches would be the ideal choice for you. They are perfect for office settings or shared environments where quiet typing is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, then the Gateron Mini i switches would be more suited to your needs. These switches offer a lightweight feel ideal for long typing sessions without the disruptive clacking noise. Ultimately, your choice between the Honey Bean and Mini i switches will depend on your preference for linear vs. tactile feel and your priority for noise level in your typing environment.