Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean is praised for its light and linear action, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet typing experience in shared environments. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 provides a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, while still maintaining the smooth and frictionless feel that Gateron switches are known for. Each switch has its own set of characteristics, with the Honey Bean being described as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', and the New North Pole V2 as 'Polished', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron New North Pole V2 greatly affect the sound profile of each switch. While the Honey Bean features POM top and bottom housings that create a deeper and more muted sound, the New North Pole V2's polycarbonate housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile is especially important for users who prioritize the auditory feedback of their keyboard switches.
Additionally, the choice of housing material can also impact the overall aesthetic of a keyboard switch. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will utilize RGB lighting, allowing the light to shine through and create a unique visual effect. On the other hand, the opaque POM housing of the Honey Bean may appeal to those who prefer a more understated and traditional look for their keyboard.
Despite their differences, both the Honey Bean and the New North Pole V2 utilize their respective housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience. While the POM and polycarbonate housings each bring their own unique characteristics to the switches, users can expect a similar level of quality and satisfaction in terms of durability and performance from both options. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials comes down to personal preference and individual priorities when it comes to sound, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unspecified, while the New North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, which is medium. This means that the New North Pole V2 switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. For users who prefer a lighter touch, the Honey Bean switch may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a more abrupt and quicker keystroke may favor the Jerrzi Honey Bean, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Gateron New North Pole V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
The Jerrzi Honey Bean switch stands out for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, providing a different auditory feedback during key presses. However, the ultimate sound produced will also be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Honey Bean switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature and feathery touch, requiring minimal effort from the fingers. This lightweight actuation leads to reduced finger fatigue and a smooth typing experience. In comparison, the New North Pole V2 boasts a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, delivering a silky sensation with minimal resistance. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with a focus on smoothness and ease of use.
In conclusion, the Honey Bean and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet typing experience with its muted sound and easy-to-press feel, while the New North Pole V2 focuses on a crisper typing feel and a polished, creamy sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your environment and preferred typing experience. If you prioritize a silent operation and easy-to-press switches for a discreet yet satisfying typing experience in shared spaces like the office, the Honey Bean would be an ideal choice. On the other hand, if you desire a crisper typing experience with a polished and frictionless feel while maintaining a medium bottom out force, the New North Pole V2 would suit your needs. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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