Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. The Honey Bean linear switch is renowned for its delightful, light and linear action, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a silent typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a more exhilarating typing experience with a big tactile bump, accompanied by a snappy sound profile. The Honey Bean switch is ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is essential, while the Polaris Purple switch is favored for its tactile feedback. 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
67g
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
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Honey Bean's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The clear translucency of the polycarbonate material in the Polaris Purple allows for a more vibrant display of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switch.
Despite their differences, both the Honey Bean and the Polaris Purple exhibit qualities that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. The POM material in the Honey Bean provides a consistent and pleasing sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the polycarbonate material in the Polaris Purple offers a more crisp and resonant sound, catering to users who enjoy a sharper typing feedback. Both housing materials are designed to enhance the overall feel and sound of the switch, ultimately providing a unique typing experience for users.
In terms of functionality, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials may come down to personal preference. The split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch can impact the overall typing feel and sound, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound upon key release. Whether one prefers the deeper and more muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both the Honey Bean and Polaris Purple offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switch options will come down to the individual user's desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force are noticeably different. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Polaris Purple, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Polaris Purple has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Polaris Purple will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, perfect for those who prefer a heavier key press. On the other hand, the Honey Bean's lighter actuation force may be preferred by those who type for long periods of time and value a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch fall within the range of traditional travel distances for mechanical switches. The Honey Bean has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. Gamers may lean towards the Honey Bean for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Polaris Purple. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference for travel distance 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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for shared environments. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it versatile for various settings. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the overall sound of both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switch has a reputation for being easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force for key presses and providing a low-impact typing feel. In comparison, the SP-Star Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished typing experience, appealing to a wide range of users with its smooth and refined key travel. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and reduce finger fatigue during extended use.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet and light linear action, ideal for office environments, while the Polaris Purple stands out for its exhilarating tactile bump and versatile sound profile. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience ideal for the office or shared environments, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch would be the way to go. With its light and linear action, coupled with a silent operation, you can enjoy a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and snappy typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the better choice for you. Its big tactile bump provides an exhilarating typing feel while still maintaining a moderate actuation force requirement. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a quiet typing experience or a tactile one.
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