Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Outemu Lotus both offer linear action for a smooth typing experience. The Honey Bean switches are highly praised for their light and linear feel, making them a popular choice for office settings or shared environments due to their silent operation. On the other hand, the Lotus switches do not have a specific standout feature but offer a similar linear feel. The Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Muted', while the Lotus is not categorized. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 the Outemu Lotus both bring unique characteristics to the switches they are used in. The POM top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean create a deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon top and bottom housing of the Lotus provide a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials, catering to different preferences in sound and feel.
Despite their differences, the POM and nylon housing materials share some similarities in their impact on sound quality. Both materials are known for creating a deeper sound profile, with the POM being described as incredibly pleasing and unique, while the nylon elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic is also present in POM, making both materials ideal for those seeking a softer and more muted typing experience.
When considering how the housing materials affect the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings play different roles in the sound profile of a switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The split qualities of the housing materials in a switch like the Honey Bean or Lotus ensure a well-rounded typing experience that caters to both the act of pressing down and releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean has a higher actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Lotus's 35 grams. However, the Lotus has a higher bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Lotus switch is lighter to press initially but requires more force to fully press down compared to the Honey Bean. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lotus, while those seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the Honey Bean. Ultimately, knowing the actuation force and bottom out force of a switch is crucial in determining the typing experience it offers, with some preferring lighter switches for longer typing sessions and others favoring heavier ones for a more satisfying typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3mm. In this case, the Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. The difference may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Lotus switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a deeper keypress may find the Honey Bean switch more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users who prefer a quicker keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on 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 Lotus 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 offers a muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as in shared workspaces or offices. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound profile is not available, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force to activate each key. This light actuation force provides a effortless and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue even during prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, the feathery feel of the Honey Bean switch further enhances the typing experience by offering a low-impact and responsive feedback. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch, making it challenging to directly compare the two in this regard.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch stands out for its quiet operation, easy-to-press actuation, and feathery feel, making it a great option for those looking for a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are unknown, it is possible that it may offer similar results in sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard and your personal preferences. If you prioritize a silent typing experience and prefer a light linear switch with no bottom out force, the Honey Bean would be an excellent choice for office or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a bottom out force of 50 grams and are looking for a different typing experience, the Lotus may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your specific typing needs and the type of feel and sound you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what best fits your preferences and environment.
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