Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch. The Honey Bean switches are beloved for their smooth and linear action, offering a light keystroke that is both quiet and satisfying. Ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is key, the Honey Bean switches provide a discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switches offer a tactile bump that provides feedback with every key press, enhancing the typing experience for those who prefer a more pronounced feel. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Brown switch lacks specific characteristics. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Brown switches, one key difference is in their top housing material. The Honey Bean features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Brown switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience, as the choice between a deeper, more muted sound and a sharper, more resonant sound can cater to different preferences.
Another point of comparison between the two switches is their bottom housing materials. The Honey Bean incorporates a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to its pleasing and unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a fuller and deeper sound. The difference in sound profiles between the two bottom housing materials can affect the overall typing experience, with the choice between a deeper, rounder sound and a duller, fuller sound catering to different preferences.
While the Honey Bean and the Outemu Brown switches differ in their housing materials, they both aim to provide an immersive and satisfying typing experience. Both switches prioritize sound quality, with the Honey Bean focusing on a deeper, more pleasing sound profile through its POM materials, while the Outemu Brown offers a sharper, crisper sound with its polycarbonate and nylon housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel, as both options offer unique advantages based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Honey Bean is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams. The bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unavailable, while the Outemu Brown has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. The difference in force between the two switches caters to different preferences among users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Honey Bean for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier push feel of the Outemu Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Honey Bean has a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the Brown's 4mm. The Honey Bean's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more deliberate key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Honey Bean being on the shallower side and the Brown being slightly deeper. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Brown 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, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to louder mechanical switches. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise level is a concern, such as in an office or shared space. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the feathery feel of the Honey Bean switch further enhances comfort by requiring very little exertion from the fingers. The tactile feedback of the Outemu Brown switch is unspecified, so it's best to consider personal preferences in terms of actuation force and keypress feel.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a quiet and gentle typing experience with its muted sound and easy-to-press, feathery feel. While the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound and feel qualities are unknown, it is important for newcomers to consider their preferences in terms of noise level and typing comfort. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ultimately providing a satisfying typing experience. It is recommended to test out both switches to determine which one aligns best with individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, you should opt for the Honey Bean if you prioritize a silent typing experience in a shared environment. The Honey Bean's light and linear action, along with its easy-to-press and feathery feel, make it ideal for minimizing noise and promoting comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, choose the Outemu Brown if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a tactile typing experience. The Brown switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for users who prefer a bit more resistance in each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for noise level, typing feel, and bottom out force.
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