Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering which mechanical keyboard switch to choose, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the TTC Neptune stand out as excellent options. The Honey Bean switch is praised for its light and linear action, making it perfect for environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune offers a unique typing experience with a smooth glide and springy resistance, reminiscent of chewy delights. While the Honey Bean is easy-to-press and feathery, the Neptune is described as buttery, gummy, and frictionless. Both switches offer a muted sound profile, but the Neptune's matte feel sets it apart. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and TTC Neptune play a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switches. Both switches feature POM top housing, which is known for creating a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and relatively more muted profile. However, the bottom housing of the Honey Bean also utilizes POM, while the Neptune utilizes polycarbonate. This difference results in the Honey Bean having a consistent sound profile throughout the press, whereas the Neptune will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound at the bottom-out due to the polycarbonate material.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and TTC Neptune offer different visual experiences. The Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing allows for a clear and translucent appearance, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing provides a more solid and opaque look. While both switches feature POM top housing, the visual impact of the bottom housing on the overall appearance of the switch may be more prominent in the case of the Neptune due to its translucent nature.
When it comes to the tactile feedback and overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and TTC Neptune contribute differently to the sound and feel of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean offers a more consistent and muted sound profile throughout the key press, resulting in a softer bottom-out feel. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the tactile feedback and making the bottom-out feel more pronounced. Overall, while both switches share a similar POM top housing, the difference in bottom housing material significantly affects the typing experience and overall sound profile of these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that the Neptune is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 41 grams compared to the Honey Bean's 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neptune is heavier at 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown. In terms of weight, the Neptune would be considered heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Honey Bean may be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Neptune. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the feel of the keystrokes for some users. The Honey Bean with its 3.7 mm travel distance may feel slightly quicker and more responsive, while the Neptune with its 3.8 mm travel distance may provide a slightly deeper and more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 experience, ensuring a softer and quieter typing sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a low-pitched and subdued sound profile, maintaining a mellow tone that is bass-heavy and pleasing to the ears. The Neptune also includes a thocky element that adds a deep, rich sound to each keystroke. Both switches excel in minimizing noise, making them ideal for shared environments where a quiet typing experience is essential.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch features an easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force for key activation. It offers a feathery touch that reduces finger fatigue and enhances typing comfort during long sessions. In contrast, the TTC Neptune switch provides a buttery and frictionless typing experience, delivering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation that is smooth and uniform. The Neptune also incorporates a gummy feel, similar to bottoming out on a trampoline or gummy bear, adding a unique tactile element to the typing experience.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean excels in providing a light and linear typing action with a focus on silent operation, making it ideal for office environments. On the other hand, the Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, offering a balanced typing experience with a matte feel and ultralight design. Whether you prefer a softer, muted sound with easy key presses or a low-pitched, buttery feel with frictionless typing, both switches deliver satisfying results that cater to a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you're looking for a switch that offers a quiet typing experience ideal for shared spaces like an office, the Honey Bean with its light and linear action would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a unique, almost textured typing sensation with a matte feel and swift typing capabilities, the Neptune would be more suitable. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of sound and feel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.