Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Red, both of which are linear switches. The Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their light and linear action, providing a quiet typing experience that is perfect for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the MX Red switches are known for their slightly heavier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a more robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Honey Bean switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the MX Red switch is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
In terms of material, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Red both offer unique characteristics when it comes to their housing materials. The Honey Bean utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. On the other hand, the MX Red switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile. While both materials offer a pleasing sound experience, POM tends to create a slightly softer sound compared to the more absorbing qualities of nylon.
Despite the differences in material, the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Red both contribute to a unique typing experience. The POM top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean offer a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the nylon top and bottom housing of the MX Red provide a fuller and rounder sound. Both materials absorb sound to some extent, but the softer nature of POM creates a slightly duller sound compared to the richer tones elicited by nylon. Overall, these housing materials play a significant role in the overall feel and sound of the switches.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing on the typing experience, it becomes clear that each material brings its own qualities to the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In this sense, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Red differ in how the characteristics of their housing materials are distributed throughout the typing process. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique and satisfying typing experience that is a result of their carefully selected housing materials.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Cherry MX Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Honey Bean switch requires slightly less force to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. When comparing the actuation force, the Honey Bean switch would provide a slightly lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch would offer a slightly firmer push feel, which some users may find more satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired amount of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. The 4 mm distance of the MX Red is more traditional, offering a slightly deeper press compared to the 3.7 mm distance of the Honey Bean. Gamers, who prioritize fast response times, may prefer the Honey Bean with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Cherry MX Red. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, with the choice between the two ultimately depending on individual preferences.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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, ensuring a quieter environment for users who prioritize noise reduction. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deeper and more satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, as well as other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is renowned for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is described as textured, potentially providing a different tactile experience that some users may prefer. Again, the decision between these switches will rely on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Cherry MX Red linear switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Honey Bean switch excels in providing a silent typing experience with easy key presses, the MX Red switch delivers a deeper sound profile and potentially a different tactile feel. Choosing between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference, typing style, and the overall typing experience desired by the user. Nonetheless, both switches offer excellent quality and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you require a silent typing experience for an office setting or shared environment, the Honey Bean switch with its light and linear action is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile for a more robust typing experience, the Cherry MX Red switch is a great option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for noise level, typing feel, and overall typing experience.
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