Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Outemu Black both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean switch is renowned for its delightful, light, and linear action, combined with a silent operation that makes it perfect for office or shared environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch lacks a distinct feature, but it is known for its sturdy build and reliable performance. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Black switch does not fall under any specific categories. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Black, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Honey Bean utilizes POM material for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Black features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing. While the POM material in the Honey Bean provides a pleasing sound, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Black offers a more dynamic audio experience with a mix of crispness and depth.
One key difference between the two housing materials is their stiffness levels. The polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Black is relatively stiffer compared to the softer nylon bottom housing, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the POM material used in both the top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This difference in stiffness impacts the typing experience, with the Black offering a sharper feel and sound while the Honey Bean provides a more muted and rounded feel.
Despite their differences, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Black share a common goal of enhancing the sound profile of mechanical keyboard switches. Whether it be the unique sound created by the POM material in the Honey Bean or the dynamic mix of polycarbonate and nylon in the Black, users can expect a satisfying audio experience with either option. Additionally, the choice of housing material can impact the aesthetics of the switch, with polycarbonate top housings being ideal for RGB lighting due to their translucency. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. The bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unavailable, while the Black has a heavy bottom out force of 82 grams. This means that the Honey Bean switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch is better suited for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a heavier push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, we can see that the Honey Bean has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Black has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference between the two may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Outemu Black. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for environments where noise level is a concern, such as offices or shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch's sound profile is unknown, but keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch also depends on other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switch is lauded for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities. These characteristics mean that the switch offers minimal resistance during key presses, requiring little force to activate. This not only enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive feel but also helps reduce finger fatigue during longer typing sessions. The Outemu Black switch's feel is unknown, but if it is similar to the Honey Bean, users can expect a light and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch stands out for its quiet operation and easy-to-press feel, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. While the Outemu Black linear switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, if it aligns with the qualities of the Honey Bean, users can expect a comparable typing experience with a focus on reduced noise and effortless typing. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Black linear switches, you should opt for the Honey Bean if you prioritize a light and silent typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is crucial. The Honey Bean's easy-to-press and feathery feel, combined with its muted sound profile, offers a comfortable and efficient typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier and more substantial keypress, the Black switch with its 82-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to guide your decision between these two linear switches.
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