Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro each present unique advantages that cater to different preferences and environments. The Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their light and linear action, providing a muted yet satisfying typing experience that makes them ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Their easy-to-press nature and feathery feel offer a discreet solution for those who prioritize a quiet yet effective keyboard experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switches stand out with their long pole design and snappy sound signature, adding a lively and crisp quality to every keystroke. They not only deliver a smooth actuation but also offer a bouncy, clacky feel that many typists find exhilarating. While both switches are linear, appealing to those who prefer smoother key presses, they cater to distinctly different atmospheres and tactile sensations. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro both lend themselves to producing a distinct sound profile, although they utilize different materials to achieve this goal. The Honey Bean features POM (polyoxymethylene) in both its top and bottom housings, known for contributing to a satisfying and muted sound that is recognized for its pleasing uniqueness. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, which is characterized as a classic switch material. Nylon is softer than POM, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively, which results in a deeper and rounder sound profile. While one could argue that both sets of materials produce a deeper sound, the methods by which they achieve that sound diverge, illustrating the nuanced effects of material choice on auditory experiences.
When examining the impact of these materials, it's crucial to consider how they interact during the typing process. For the Jerrzi Honey Bean, the POM top housing influences the sound generated upon releasing a key, whereas the bottom housing's POM composition impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. This combination ensures a consistent sound profile that remains unique to the POM material. Alternatively, the Akko V3 Piano Pro, with nylon as its housing material, exhibits similar characteristics but through a different tactile experience. Here, the nylon top housing plays a more significant role in rounding out the sound upon key release, while the soft nature of the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and deeper sound at bottom-out. Therefore, though the fundamental sound profiles are analogous, the mechanisms by which they achieve these results differ.
In summary, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro create engaging typing experiences underpinned by their materials' capacities to shape sound profiles. The POM housings of the Honey Bean yield a unique and muted sound, while the nylon elements of the V3 Piano Pro produce a softer, fuller auditory experience. While the materials differ, both switches share the ability to deliver deeper sound presentations, revealing the importance of housing materials in influencing typing acoustics and feel. Ultimately, these differences accentuate the tactile and auditory pleasures of each switch without straying from the desired characteristic of producing satisfying and rounded typing sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, we find notable differences. The Honey Bean switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the V3 Piano Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference indicates that users seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the Honey Bean, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the Honey Bean's bottom out force is not specified, making it challenging to make a direct comparison regarding that aspect. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, classified as medium-light, which provides a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Consequently, users who appreciate a stronger push might gravitate towards the V3 Piano Pro for its firmer tactile experience, whereas those favoring a lighter, more effortless keystroke may find the Honey Bean more suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Honey Bean features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Honey Bean switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial keypress feel which can be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro, being the shorter of the two, may lend itself to a more responsive feel that some gamers and speed typists seek. Both switches cater to different preferences, so if you find the appeal of a deeper keypress enticing, the Honey Bean would be the better choice, whereas if responsiveness is your priority, the V3 Piano Pro may serve you better.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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 comparing the auditory characteristics of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches, it’s evident that they occupy opposite ends of the sound spectrum. The Honey Bean switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a discreet and silent typing experience that makes it ideal for work environments where minimal noise is essential. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro delivers a lively and crisp auditory signature, characterized by its clacky and resonant sounds. Each keystroke produces a bright and percussive sound that embodies a more dynamic typing atmosphere, making it suitable for those who appreciate the aural feedback from their mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are equally pronounced. The Honey Bean switches offer an easy-to-press mechanism with a feathery touch, allowing for effortless key presses that reduce finger fatigue, making them perfect for long typing sessions. This gentleness contributes to a comfortable experience without strain. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro switches provide a bouncy and creamy sensation, allowing for a lively typing experience with a spring-like feedback that enhances engagement. The polished and silky nature of these switches ensures smooth travel, making each keystroke feel refined and responsive. This creates a typing feel that contrasts sharply with the lighter, more subdued action of the Honey Bean.
In conclusion, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches depends heavily on personal preference regarding sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet and effortless typing experience, the Honey Bean will serve you well. However, if you enjoy a more audible and engaging keypress with a lively, creamy feel, the V3 Piano Pro is the better choice. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to distinct typing experiences, ensuring that you can find a switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a quiet, feather-light typing experience, especially in office environments or shared spaces, the Honey Bean switches are ideal. Their muted sound profile and easy-to-press nature make them perfect for long typing sessions without causing fatigue or disturbing others. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more lively auditory feedback and a touch of bounce in your keystrokes, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches would suit you better. Their clacky and resonant sound coupled with their creamy and polished feel offers an engaging typing experience that can enhance your productivity and enjoyment, especially during gaming or creative tasks. Ultimately, consider the settings in which you’ll be using your keyboard and your personal tactile and auditory preferences when making your choice.