Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Cherry MX Black both offer unique features worth exploring. The Honey Bean switch is praised for its light and linear action, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch has been enhanced with Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, providing a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile when typing. While the Honey Bean switch is characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the MX Black switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Stiff'. Each switch has its own strengths and considerations, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Black utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Honey Bean featuring POM for both, while the MX Black uses nylon. POM is known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, while nylon creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. In terms of feel, the bottom housing of both switches will have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, with the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released.
While both the Honey Bean and MX Black use different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the overall effect on sound and feel is similar. POM and nylon both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, with POM being slightly more muted in comparison to the rounder sound produced by nylon. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller sound overall. This difference in sound profile can be attributed to the unique properties of each material.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Black will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the POM housing of the Honey Bean creating a more muted sound compared to the rounder sound produced by the nylon housing of the MX Black. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound profile or a fuller, rounder sound will determine which switch is the better fit for your typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the MX Black's 60 grams. However, the bottom out force for the MX Black is heavier at 80 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey Bean due to its lower actuation force, allowing for more extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the MX Black may appeal to users who desire a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. The Honey Bean's 3.7 mm travel distance falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those seeking a quicker and more responsive typing experience, particularly favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black's 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight difference in travel distance caters to different preferences in typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing depth and responsiveness.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes them ideal for environments where noise reduction is important, such as in an office or shared workspace. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and bass-heavy tone during typing. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Honey Bean focusing on a more discreet operation while the MX Black delivers a classic, textured sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean provides an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force requires minimal effort, making typing effortless and comfortable, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery feel of the Honey Bean switch further enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact touch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured feel, which may provide noticeable friction when pressed. Additionally, the MX Black switch is described as stiff, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. This may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and robust typing feel.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a muted and easy-to-press typing experience, ideal for quiet environments and effortless typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch delivers a low-pitched, deep sound profile and a textured, stiff feel, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing environment in which they will be used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience, the Honey Bean switches with their light and linear action would be ideal for office or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic tactile feel with a bit more weight to your keystrokes, the Cherry MX Black switches would be a great choice with their heavier bottom-out force and textured smoothness. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a light and quiet typing experience (Honey Bean) or a traditional tactile feel with a bit more resistance (MX Black).
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