Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Phalaenopsis offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean switch is a linear switch that boasts a delightful, light action paired with a silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch is a tactile option that features a light actuation force and a satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a pleasant typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. While the Honey Bean is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, the Phalaenopsis stands out with its bassy and thocky feedback. These general points can help you decide which switch aligns best with your typing preferences; 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
37g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Phalaenopsis, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The POM housing of the Honey Bean provides a deeper and more muted sound, creating a pleasing auditory experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Phalaenopsis produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness and clarity. While the materials differ in terms of sound, they both offer quality and distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Aesthetically, the choice of housing material also plays a role in the appearance of the switches. The translucency of polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Phalaenopsis allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the opaque nature of POM used in the Honey Bean may not allow for as much light transmission, but still provides a sleek and professional look. Despite differences in appearance, both materials offer durability and reliability in their respective housing components, ensuring long-lasting performance in mechanical keyboards.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that each material brings unique qualities to the table. The bottom housing, whether POM or polycarbonate, significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press. Meanwhile, the top housing material has a more pronounced effect on the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how these materials interact with each other, keyboard enthusiasts can tailor their preferences towards a specific sound profile and typing sensation that best suits their needs and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that the Phalaenopsis is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Honey Bean's 42 grams. The bottom out force of the Phalaenopsis is 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Phalaenopsis may provide a slightly lighter typing experience, which could be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the unknown bottom out force of the Honey Bean may make it a bit harder to determine if it provides a more substantial typing experience compared to the Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Honey Bean offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers who prioritize speed may prefer the Honey Bean, while those who prefer a more pronounced key press may opt for the Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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, making it ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch produces a bassy and thocky sound, providing a satisfying and rich auditory feedback with each keystroke. Depending on personal preference, the Honey Bean appeals to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Phalaenopsis caters to individuals who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch provides a stepped tactile feel, giving users a distinct two-stage typing experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensations. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering unique tactile feedback and minimizing strain on the fingers, catering to different preferences for typing comfort.
Considering all the available information, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Honey Bean prioritizes a quiet and effortless typing experience, the Phalaenopsis focuses on providing a satisfying tactile feedback with a rich sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing sound, feel, and overall typing comfort. However, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience and minimize finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, providing a versatile selection for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your environment and preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a quiet and lightweight typing option for an office or shared space, the Honey Bean may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier tactile feedback with a unique sound profile for a more engaging typing experience, the Phalaenopsis switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
