Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offer distinct typing experiences. The Honey Bean switch is a linear switch that provides a light and silent typing experience, making it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is a tactile switch with a sharp and satisfying bump, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Both switches have their unique qualities and appeal, whether you prefer an easy-to-press and feathery action like the Honey Bean or a snappy and buttery feel like the Blueberry. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry both feature POM top and bottom housings, which result in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile. The deep and relatively muted sound produced by the POM material creates a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. However, despite both switches using POM material for their housing, the specific design and construction of each switch may still produce subtle differences in sound and feel.
One notable difference between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry lies in the construction of the top and bottom housings. While both switches utilize POM material for both components, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings can vary. This means that the bottom housing of each switch will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite this difference in distribution, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of overall sound profile and tactile feedback.
In terms of overall performance, the use of POM material in both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry allows for a consistent and satisfying typing experience. The deep and muted sound profile created by the POM material enhances the overall sound and feel of each switch, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While there may be subtle differences in the specific design and construction of the top and bottom housings, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel when typing on either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. On the other hand, the Blueberry has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unknown, while the Blueberry has a heavy bottom out force of 80 grams. This difference in bottom out force indicates that the Blueberry switch requires more pressure to press all the way down compared to the Honey Bean. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing experience, with the Honey Bean offering a lighter touch and the Blueberry providing a heavier push feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean linear switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for keypress 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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 comparing the sound of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, we can see a clear distinction in their auditory profiles. The Honey Bean switch produces a muted sound, which is softer and more discreet, ideal for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound, creating a deeper and sharper typing experience that may be preferred by those looking for a more distinct auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of these two switches, the Honey Bean is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a gentle resistance and light actuation force for effortless typing. In contrast, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch is known for its snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff attributes, offering a responsive and lively typing sensation with varying levels of actuation force. This tactile switch is designed to cater to individuals who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging typing experience.
Overall, when considering the sound and feel of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it is evident that they offer distinct qualities tailored to different preferences. While the Honey Bean provides a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Blueberry switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback and a unique sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider your environment and preferences. If you are looking for a quiet typing experience suitable for the office or shared spaces, the Honey Bean with its light and linear action would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump and a unique typing feel with a slightly lower sound frequency, the Blueberry switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style, noise tolerance, and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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