Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Silent Red are both popular options to consider. The Honey Bean offers a light and linear action with silent operation, making it perfect for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the satisfying typing experience of the classic MX Red switch but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches are categorized as 'Muted,' but the Honey Bean is also described as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Feathery,' while the MX Silent Red is noted for being 'Thocky' and 'Textured.' 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Silent Red have some similarities in terms of the sound profiles they create. Both the POM top housing of the Honey Bean and the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red produce a deeper and more muted sound. This is due to the material properties of POM and nylon, which absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics. However, the specific composition of POM and nylon may result in subtle differences in the sound produced by each switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean and the nylon bottom housing of the MX Silent Red also share some similarities. Both materials contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. The softer nature of POM and nylon allows them to absorb more sound, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience. Despite these similarities, the slight variations in the composition of POM and nylon may still influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. The qualities brought by each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key. While the POM and nylon housings of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Cherry MX Silent Red share some common characteristics in terms of sound profile, the specific properties of each material may result in nuanced differences in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Silent Red's 45 grams. Both switches, however, have an unknown bottom out force. While the Honey Bean may be more appealing to individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Silent Red may be favored by those who enjoy a slightly heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.7mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth experience for users, with a similar level of key travel. Whether you choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean or the Cherry MX Silent Red, you can expect to get comparable results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 and quiet typing experience, ideal for those seeking a discreet and noise-minimizing keyboard option. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch also provides a muted sound profile but with added characteristics such as being thocky and low-pitched, giving a deeper and richer sound when pressed. Both switches excel in reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, ensuring a quieter environment for those around you.
Moving on to the feel, the Honey Bean linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a light and comfortable typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a tactile sensation that some users prefer. Overall, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel, catering to different preferences in terms of typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch excel in providing a quiet and satisfying typing experience, with slight differences in sound and feel. If you are looking for a keyboard switch that prioritizes quiet operation, either option will deliver similar results in minimizing noise and providing a pleasant typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific sound profile and tactile sensation that you prefer in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for an office or shared space, the Honey Bean switch is an excellent choice with its light and linear action. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel while still maintaining a quiet operation, the MX Silent Red switch is the way to go. Both switches offer a muted sound profile, but the MX Silent Red provides a unique low-pitched and thocky feel compared to the feathery and easy-to-press sensation of the Honey Bean. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific typing environment you'll be in.
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