Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Honey Bean is perfect for those looking for a light and linear action with silent operation, making it ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 provides a gummy and creamy typing feel with a deep and muted sound profile, giving users a satisfying and chewy experience. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the North Pole V2 is described as 'Gummy', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', 'Bouncy', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own appeal and benefits, catered to different preferences and needs. 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
65g
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
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron North Pole V2 lies in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Honey Bean's POM top and bottom housings provide a deep, muted sound profile, while the North Pole V2's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate lends itself to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual dimension to the typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Honey Bean and North Pole V2 differ in their sound profiles, they both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The POM housings of the Honey Bean create a pleasing and deep sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate housings of the North Pole V2 produce a sharper and crisper sound, appealing to users who enjoy a more distinct and resonant typing feel. Both options cater to different sound preferences and offer a range of options for those looking to customize their typing experience.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, are more prominent when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the qualities of the top housing, such as the sound when letting go of a key, are more apparent during the release of the key. Understanding how each housing material influences the overall sound profile and feel of the switch can help users make an informed choice based on their preferences and typing style.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown, while the North Pole V2 has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. This means that the North Pole V2 would provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey Bean would be a more suitable option. Both switches offer different force requirements, allowing users to choose based on their preference for lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that the North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. In terms of responsiveness, gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the North Pole V2. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences in keyboard usage. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's personal preference for keyboard feel and response.
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 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 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch offers a more subdued sound when pressed, creating a dampened sound profile that is not completely silent but more subtle when compared to most switches. Both switches aim to minimize noise, making them suitable for shared environments, but the Honey Bean leans towards a quieter operation.
Moving on to the feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses which requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch provides a unique typing experience with a gummy feel, similar to bottoming-out on a trampoline or a gummy bear. Additionally, it offers a creamy and bouncy sensation with a polished finish, resulting in smooth and buttery key presses with spring-like feedback.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron North Pole V2 linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a quieter typing experience with an easy-to-press action, ideal for those looking for a discreet yet satisfying switch. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 provides a gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished feel with a subdued sound profile, catering to individuals seeking a unique and tactile typing experience. Whether you choose the Honey Bean or the North Pole V2, you can expect a high-quality linear switch that delivers on its promised characteristics, resulting in a pleasant typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch or the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, it all comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you value a silent typing experience and light actuation force, the Honey Bean switch is the way to go. Its easy-to-press and feathery feel will make typing effortless and comfortable, perfect for extended use in quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique gummy typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the North Pole V2 switch might be more appealing to you. Its gummy, creamy, bouncy, and polished characteristics provide a satisfying typing experience with a slightly more pronounced sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize noise reduction and lightness in typing (Honey Bean) or enjoy a chewy, bouncy typing experience with a bit more tactile feedback (North Pole V2).