Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch. The Honey Bean switches are perfect for those looking for a light and linear typing experience, as well as a silent operation, making them ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns provide a subtle tactile feedback that adds a touch of texture to each key press, along with a gentle audio feedback. While the Honey Bean is easy-to-press and feathery, the MX Brown is textured and offers a low-pitched sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and Cherry MX Brown switches both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Honey Bean utilizing POM for both, while the MX Brown uses nylon. Both POM and nylon are known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, with POM being described as more muted and nylon as softer and absorbing more sound. However, the specific qualities of each material contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
While both switches share similarities in creating a pleasing and unique sound profile due to their housing materials, the POM top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the nylon top and bottom housing of the Cherry MX Brown. The POM material in the Honey Bean switches may offer a more consistent and muted sound profile, while the nylon material in the MX Brown switches may give a slightly rounder and fuller sound profile. These differences in material may result in varying typing experiences for users of each switch.
Overall, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Cherry MX Brown switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. While both switches use quality materials in their housing construction, the POM of the Honey Bean and the nylon of the MX Brown offer unique characteristics that can affect the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a slightly muted sound profile with POM or a fuller sound profile with nylon, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we see that the actuation force of the Honey Bean is slightly lighter at 42 grams compared to the 45 grams of the MX Brown. The bottom out force of the MX Brown is 55 grams, providing a heavier typing experience, while the bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on weight, with the Honey Bean being lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, and the MX Brown offering a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a heavier typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the MX Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of feel and gameplay experience, the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the MX Brown may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted typing experience, perfect for environments where noise reduction is essential. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch produces a deeper and bassier sound with a lower frequency range, providing a richer auditory feedback during key presses. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the acoustic environment in which you will be typing.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch boasts an easy-to-press design that requires minimal force to activate, offering a feathery and light typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is textured, providing a noticeable friction when pressed that some users may prefer for enhanced tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a smoother or more textured typing experience, both switches offer a comfortable and responsive feel for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet and light linear action, ideal for shared environments, the MX Brown delivers a subtle tactility and deeper sound profile for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on your personal typing style and acoustic preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch or the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, you should base your decision on your preference for noise level and typing feel. If you value a quiet typing experience and enjoy the smooth, linear action of a switch with minimal noise, the Honey Bean may be the ideal choice for you, especially in office or shared environments where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, if you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback and don't mind a slightly louder typing sound, the Cherry MX Brown switch could be a better fit for you. Its gentle tactility and light key presses may enhance your typing experience if you prefer a bit of feedback while typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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