Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Milk Blue offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their light and linear action, making them ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switches stand out for their distinct clicky sound and tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying click while typing. Both switches have their unique qualities that appeal to different users based on their preferences, whether it be the soft and silent typing experience of the Honey Bean or the audible feedback of the Milk Blue. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Milk Blue switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Honey Bean features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate also allows for RGB lighting to shine through the housing, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. Despite these differences, both top housings offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Honey Bean uses a POM bottom housing, which results in a similar sound profile to its top housing - deep and muted. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and deeper sound due to the absorbent nature of nylon. This difference in bottom housing materials contributes to the overall sound profile of each switch, with the Milk Blue offering a rounder sound compared to the Honey Bean's more muted tone. Despite the difference in materials, both bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound of the switches.
When considering how the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes clear that each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. Pressing down on a switch will give you a sense of the bottom housing material, which has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will influence the sound when you release a key, resulting in a distinct auditory feedback. Although the Honey Bean and Milk Blue switches have different housing materials for their tops and bottoms, both contribute to creating a satisfying typing experience with their individual sound profiles.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare the two in terms of overall typing experience. However, it can be assumed that the Honey Bean may provide a lighter and easier typing feel due to its lower actuation force, while the Milk Blue may offer a more tactile and robust typing experience with its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired level of force required for comfortable typing.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. The Honey Bean falls on the shorter end of the spectrum at 3.7 mm, providing a quicker response time which is preferred by gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Blue with a 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of the shorter travel distances that are popular today, catering to those who seek a quicker, more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press 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 Outemu Milk Blue 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. This makes it a fantastic option for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch's sound quality is unknown. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch provides an easy-to-press experience with a feathery touch. The light actuation force required for keypresses makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. The feathery feel of these switches further enhances the typing experience, making it suitable for various tasks like gaming, schoolwork, or office work. As for the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the feel is unknown, so it's hard to compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch stands out for its silent operation, making it a great choice for those looking for a quiet typing experience. The easy-to-press and feathery feel of the Honey Bean switch further adds to its appeal, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are unknown, it's essential to consider how these switches will complement your specific typing needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and choosing between them will depend on your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, when looking to choose between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you value a silent and discreet typing experience, especially in an office or shared space, the Honey Bean switch would be ideal with its light and linear action. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and tactile feedback while typing, the Milk Blue switch would be your go-to choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for noise level and typing style. Happy typing!
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