United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Kailh Plum

An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh Plum mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Honey Bean switch provides a light and linear action with silent operation, making it ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a unique tactile feel without a pronounced bump, giving it a weighty yet smooth typing experience. While the Honey Bean is characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Plum is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Stepped'. Each switch has its own set of qualities that may appeal to different users based on their typing style and 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

N/A

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

70g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.70 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

No

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

The Jerrzi Honey Bean and Kailh Plum both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Honey Bean utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Polycarbonate top housing of the Plum, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired sound profile for the keyboard.

On the bottom housing side, the Honey Bean features a POM housing that also creates a deep and muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Plum uses a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and results in a fuller and rounder sound when typing. This difference in bottom housing material adds another layer of uniqueness to the sound profile of each keyboard.

While the top and bottom housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Kailh Plum provide different sound profiles, they both contribute to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material impacts the sound when letting go of a key. Ultimately, choosing between the two keyboards would involve considering not only the sound preferences but also the typing experience offered by their housing materials.

Weight

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. The Honey Bean switch does not have a bottom out force available, but the Plum switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier force. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Honey Bean being lighter and more suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Plum switch provides a more tactile feel with its heavier bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two switches based on whether they prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Plum. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, with the Honey Bean being slightly longer than the Plum. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.

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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is renowned for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for shared environments. In contrast, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and preferences. When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, minimizing finger fatigue and enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switch is known for its mild and stepped feel, offering a gentle typing experience with a unique tactile response. Both switches provide a different typing experience with the Honey Bean focusing on light linear action with minimal noise, and the Kailh Plum offering a weighty feel with a moderate tactility. Depending on your preference for typing feel and sound, choosing between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific environment in which you plan to use them.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch or the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it ultimately boils down to your preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a silent and light typing experience, especially in an office or shared setting, the Honey Bean would be a great choice with its easy-to-press and feathery feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a unique tactile feel that is still relatively quiet, the Plum switch might be more your speed with its mild and stepped characteristics. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors matter most to you in order to make the best decision for your typing needs.

Mentioned in this article