Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. The Honey Bean switches stand out for their light and linear action, coupled with their silent operation, making them ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switches offer a tactile feedback, providing a more pronounced key press feel. While the Honey Bean switch is categorized as easy-to-press, feathery, and muted, the Crystal Brown switch does not have any specific categorizations. Each switch has its own unique advantages depending on individual 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown produces a sharper and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and resonant sound profile compared to the softer POM material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for switch housings aiming to enhance aesthetics.
In terms of bottom housings, the POM material in the Honey Bean leads to a deeper and more muted sound profile, similar to its effect on the top housing sound. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown provides a fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound due to its softer composition. This difference in material composition contributes to the overall typing experience for each switch, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Outemu Crystal Brown switches, both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Honey Bean's POM housing creates a pleasing and deep sound, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate and nylon materials generate sharper and fuller audio experiences, respectively. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, aesthetics, and typing feel, with each offering distinct qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Crystal Brown's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Crystal Brown is heavier at 55 grams, while the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is not provided. This means that the Crystal Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, whereas the Honey Bean offers a lighter actuation force for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Honey Bean, while those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel may prefer the Crystal Brown. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch. The shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean switch may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown switch may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Both switches offer different tactile feedback and actuation force, so the choice between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, the Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer different travel distances that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their individual needs.
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 Crystal 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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its muted operation, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as offices or shared workspaces. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is not specified, so it's unclear how it compares in terms of sound. Keep in mind that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Honey Bean switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making it effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Similarly, the feathery feel of the switch ensures a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended periods of use. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch are not provided.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a silent typing experience with light and effortless key presses, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch would be an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for tactile feedback in addition to a quiet operation, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch may be worth considering despite lacking specific information. Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in selecting the right switch, so experimenting with different options may be necessary to find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your environment and personal typing preferences. If you value a quiet and light typing experience, the Honey Bean switch may be the better choice for you, especially in shared spaces like an office. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and the tactile feedback of a browns switch, the Crystal Brown may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, whether you prioritize noise reduction and effortless typing with the Honey Bean or tactile feedback and medium-light actuation force with the Crystal Brown, both switches offer unique advantages depending on your needs and preferences.
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