Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Outemu Silent Grey offer unique typing experiences. The Honey Bean is a linear switch loved for its light and feathery touch, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quiet and easy-to-press typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch known for its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying and quiet typing experience. Both switches have their own set of qualities that cater to different 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey, one notable difference lies in their top housings. The Honey Bean features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound profile, while the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This contrast in sound profile showcases how the choice of top housing material can significantly impact the overall auditory experience of typing on a keyboard.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean and the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey offer distinct sound profiles as well. The POM housing of the Honey Bean contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon housing of the Silent Grey elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The difference in sound characteristics between these two materials highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can influence the overall typing experience, offering users a range of options to tailor their keyboard sound to their preferences.
When considering a switch with different top and bottom housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities highlights the importance of selecting housing materials that complement each other to achieve a balanced and satisfying typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean is the lighter option with an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Silent Grey is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown, while the Silent Grey has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to avoid fatigue during extended typing sessions, the Honey Bean would be the more suitable choice. Alternatively, individuals who enjoy a more robust and substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with the actuation and bottom out forces playing a key role in determining the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, it is clear that the Honey Bean has a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the Silent Grey's 4mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Grey being slightly longer. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Silent Grey 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 Honey Bean linear switch provides a muted typing experience, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet operation without sacrificing the satisfying tactile feedback provided by its pronounced bump. Both switches aim to minimize noise, with the Honey Bean focusing on a softer and quieter sound, while the Silent Grey ensures a quiet typing experience with tactile feedback, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean linear switch is known for its easy-to-press actuation, requiring minimal force to activate while offering a feathery typing experience. This gentle resistance and light actuation force aim to enhance typing comfort and reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch's feel is not specified, but tactile switches typically provide a responsive and satisfying typing experience with a tactile bump for feedback. While the specific typing feel of the Silent Grey switch is not detailed, it is likely to offer a tactile typing experience suitable for those seeking a combination of silence and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Honey Bean excels in providing a muted and light linear typing experience perfect for noise-sensitive environments, while the Outemu Silent Grey focuses on delivering a quiet and tactile typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a linear switch with reduced noise or a tactile switch with silent operation, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Honey Bean and Silent Grey switches will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you value a silent typing experience with a light, linear action, the Honey Bean switches are the ideal choice. They are perfect for offices or shared spaces where noise reduction is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Grey switches offer a satisfying and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize noise reduction and light key presses or tactile feedback and a heavier keystroke. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
