Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Perky

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference can significantly sway your decision, and two noteworthy options in the linear category are the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Perky. The Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their light and feathery feel, making each keystroke effortless and muted, which is ideal for professional environments where silence is key. Their design ensures a discreet typing experience without sacrificing satisfaction. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches feature a softer, glittery nylon housing that not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also delivers a condensed and deeply satisfying typing experience due to a shorter travel distance. While both switches provide a smooth linear action, the Honey Bean is best suited for those prioritizing quiet operation, whereas the Perky is perfect for users looking for an engaging and short-throw typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

HMX Perky Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Perky exhibit distinct housing materials that contribute uniquely to their auditory and tactile experiences. The Honey Bean features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housing, which is known for producing an incredibly pleasing and distinctive sound profile. This sound tends toward a deeper and more muted quality, imparting a nice acoustic texture during typing. POM's denser nature contributes to a resonant and controlled sound that many users find appealing, particularly in high-performance switches.

In contrast, the HMX Perky employs nylon for its top and bottom housings. Although nylon is a classic switch housing material, it introduces a different sonic characteristic. With its softer and more malleable qualities, nylon effectively absorbs sound, leading to a fuller and rounder sound profile. This softer plastic tends to dampen the noise more than POM, resulting in a typing experience that feels deeper yet perhaps less crisp. While both switches aim to generate enjoyable sound experiences, the Honey Bean's POM materials yield a more precise and muted sound, compared to the Perky's slightly warmer and rounder notes imparted by its nylon construction.

Despite their differing materials, both the Honey Bean and HMX Perky share the potential for similar results in terms of the overall typing experience. Since housing configurations play a crucial role—where the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound while the top housing contributes to the release sound—each switch's acoustic properties can complement one another. Users can expect both switches to deliver a satisfying depth of sound, though the nuances of their materials will carve out unique impressions in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between them may come down to personal preferences regarding the tonal character of keyboard feedback during typing.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, some notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and the context of their bottom out forces. The Honey Bean has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Perky's 43 grams, which might appeal to users looking for a lighter typing experience for lengthy use, such as at work or during extended gaming sessions. However, the Honey Bean does not have a specified bottom out force, whereas the Perky has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. This firmness might provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a heavier feel. Consequently, while both switches offer a relatively similar actuation force, the absence of the Honey Bean's bottom out force and its lighter actuation may lead to a different user experience compared to the heavier and more defined feel of the HMX Perky.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we find that the Honey Bean features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Perky has a slightly shorter distance at 3.4 mm. This difference indicates that the Honey Bean switch offers a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile feel, especially when typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the HMX Perky, with its shorter travel distance, could be favored by gamers or those seeking quicker response times due to its more immediate actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a swift and snappy experience, the HMX Perky is the better choice. Conversely, for users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their key presses, the Jerrzi Honey Bean would cater to that preference with its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

**Sound Comparison:**

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is characterized by its muted sound profile, making it an excellent option for environments where noise reduction is important, such as offices or shared spaces. Its design minimizes the more pronounced audio feedback typically found in mechanical switches, offering a soft and quiet typing experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the HMX Perky switch remains unspecified, leaving a gap in understanding how this switch performs acoustically. However, users can expect that other factors, like the choice of keyboard construction and keycap materials, will also influence the overall sound experience with both switches.

**Feel Comparison:**

In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch stands out with its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics. This switch requires minimal actuation force, which translates to an effortless and responsive typing experience, making it particularly comfortable during extended use. The design promotes low impact on the fingers, significantly reducing fatigue, which is beneficial for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the specifics regarding the feel of the HMX Perky switch are not provided, leaving it unclear how it compares to the Honey Bean in terms of resistance and tactile feedback.

**Conclusion:**

Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is a compelling choice for those prioritizing a quiet typing experience and a light, comfortable feel, ideal for prolonged use in shared spaces. While the sound and feel of the HMX Perky linear switch are not detailed, it appears that the Honey Bean excels in these dimensions. If a user values a muted sound and an easy-to-press action, the Honey Bean is likely to provide a satisfying experience, whereas the Perky remains an unknown variable concerning these qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, consider your specific needs and typing environment. If you're looking for a switch that optimizes a quiet, pleasant typing experience for an office or shared space, the Honey Bean is the clear choice. Its muted sound profile combined with an exceptionally light pressing force makes it ideal for extended sessions where comfort and discretion are paramount. You’ll find that its feathery feel allows for a delightful, effortless typing experience that caters well to both casual and professional use. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a more satisfying tactile response and a slightly firmer actuation, the Perky switch could be more suitable. It offers a deeper typing experience due to its shorter travel distance while still maintaining a light feel, making it a good option for those who appreciate a touch of feedback in their presses without compromising speed or efficiency. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by your typing style, sound sensitivity, and the context in which you will be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more

HMX Perky Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more