Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Purple RGB represent two distinct options, each catering to different preferences. The Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their light and linear action, providing a feather-light feel that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions. Their muted design ensures a silent operation, making them an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches introduce a tactile experience, characterized by a satisfying, short bump that adds a layer of feedback to each keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate the sense of connection to the keyboard, aiding in precise typing and gaming scenarios where responsiveness is key. Each switch has its unique advantages—whether you lean towards the stealthy fluidity of the Honey Bean or the engaging tactile response of the MX Purple RGB, your choice will undoubtedly impact your overall experience. 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
N/A
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 Jerrzi Honey Bean and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches utilize different materials for their housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles and overall performance. The Honey Bean is constructed with POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound that is uniquely pleasing and relatively muted. This deeper sound profile can be attributed to POM's density and acoustic properties, allowing for a smoother and more controlled auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches feature nylon for both their top and bottom housings, a material known for its softer, more absorptive qualities. This results in a deep and fuller sound profile, as the nylon dampens sound more effectively than harder materials, creating a rounder audio experience.
When comparing the bottom housings, the Honey Bean's POM material maintains a distinctly muted sound, while the MX Purple RGB's nylon configuration contributes to a deeper sonic resonance. The characteristics of the bottom housing play a crucial role in the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound of the switches. For the Honey Bean, the solid quality of POM might lead to a more subdued bottom-out response, while the nylon of the MX Purple RGB brings forth a richer sound experience. Differences in how these materials influence the switches might impact user preference, especially for those who prioritize sound and feel in their keystrokes.
Despite the material differences, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Cherry MX Purple RGB can yield similarly satisfying results in terms of sound and feel if used in suitable contexts. The choice of housing material affects the way a switch's personality is presented, with POM offering a muted yet pleasing acoustic signature, while nylon deepens and amplifies sound effects. Users can enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as the unique sound profiles provided by each housing type will meet various auditory preferences. Ultimately, whether it be the softer response of the nylon or the unique depth of POM, both switches have the potential to excel in personal and gaming environments alike.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch offer similar experiences when it comes to actuation force, with respective weights of 42 grams and 45 grams. This slight difference means that the Honey Bean is the lighter option, which could favor users seeking a more effortless typing experience suitable for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB provides a marginally heavier actuation, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push when typing. However, both switches lack specific bottom out force specifications, leaving a gap in comparing the full extent of their pressure resistance during extensive usage. Despite this, if the bottom out forces were available and comparable, users could expect similar performance in terms of keystroke feedback when fully pressed down, with a likely greater cumulative force experience from the heavier Cherry MX switch. Thus, for users who thrive on tactile feedback, either switch could serve their needs, but the choice between them ultimately depends on whether they prefer a lighter or heavier actuation feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the Honey Bean measures 3.7 mm, while the MX Purple RGB has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jerrzi Honey Bean has a shorter travel distance compared to the Cherry MX Purple RGB, which offers a slightly greater depth. Gamers and users seeking quicker response times may prefer the Honey Bean for its shorter travel distance, as it allows for more rapid key presses. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys may find the Cherry MX Purple RGB more appealing due to its longer travel distance, providing a sense of depth and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 is characterized by its muted qualities, producing a softer and quieter audio profile compared to many typical mechanical keyboard switches. This silent operation makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum, thus ensuring a discreet typing experience. On the other hand, details about the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch are currently unavailable. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound from any switch can still significantly be influenced by other factors like the choice of keyboard case and keycap materials used.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Honey Bean offers a light and effortless typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate due to its easy-to-press and feathery design. This gentle resistance is beneficial for prolong periods of typing, minimizing finger fatigue, making it a comfortable option for various tasks including gaming, schoolwork, or professional responsibilities. In contrast, the feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is less defined in the information provided; thus, a direct comparison on tactile feedback and actuation force cannot be made without additional data.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Honey Bean's silent and effortless operation makes it suitable for quiet settings, while the tactile response of the Cherry MX Purple RGB, although not fully detailed here, suggests a different tactile experience. If you're looking for a gentle, unobtrusive typing feel, the Honey Bean is likely the better choice, while the Cherry MX Purple may appeal to those who appreciate tactile feedback—though confirming its specific qualities would be essential for a complete evaluation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, particularly in shared spaces or offices, the Honey Bean is the clear choice. Its muted sound and feathery feel ensure that you can type comfortably without disturbing others, making it ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances your typing accuracy and doesn't mind a bit of sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the way to go. The tactile bump provides a satisfying response that many typists and gamers appreciate, allowing for a focused and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value noise reduction and smoothness over tactile feedback and a more pronounced keypress sensation. Choosing the right switch is about aligning your typing style with the characteristics of each option to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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