Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Poro offer distinct experiences, both categorized as linear switches. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its delightful, light action and silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office settings or shared environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. With characteristics like "easy-to-press," "feathery," and "muted," these switches create a discreet yet satisfying typing experience for users who prioritize tranquility during their work. In contrast, the HMX Poro provides a silky smooth keystroke that feels effortlessly gliding, thanks to meticulous lubrication, and features a satisfyingly lively sound profile with a poppy and clacky essence. Users drawn to a more engaging auditory experience might find the Poro, categorized as "bouncy," "creamy," and "clacky," to be an irresistible option. Both switches have unique attributes catering to different preferences, yet understanding their specific nuances can help you find the perfect match for your typing style. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Poro, both switches employ distinct materials that influence their acoustic performance. The Honey Bean features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which fosters a unique and pleasing sound profile. Described as deeper and relatively muted, the POM construction allows for a sound that is not only pleasant but also consistent throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Poro utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is recognized as a classic switch material. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a fuller, rounder sound profile that remains deep but adds a level of richness to the auditory experience.
While both switches aim for a deeper sound profile, the methods they employ differ significantly. POM is known for its durability and rigidity, which contributes to the muted characteristics of the Honey Bean’s sound. This results in a performance that tends to be less reflective, providing a subtle typing experience that many users may appreciate for its undisturbed clarity. Conversely, the HMX Poro's nylon housing brings with it a certain softness, absorbing more vibrations and creating a channel for a rounder sound. This material variance leads to a noticeable contrast in tactile feedback during typing, with the Poro potentially offering a more cushioned feel upon actuation and bottoming out.
Despite these material differences, the end-users might find similar outcomes in terms of sound depth and typing experience, as both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying auditory response. POM and nylon both facilitate a deeper acoustic signature, albeit through different mechanisms. The Honey Bean's performance in creating a quieter, yet still rich sound can align with the Poro's capability of producing a fuller sound, thanks to the inherent qualities of both materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding the tactile sensation or the perceived loudness of the sound when the switch is engaged or released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, we see notable differences. The Honey Bean features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Poro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, making the Honey Bean the lighter option overall. However, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean remains unknown, whereas the Poro has a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. This suggests that the Poro provides a more pronounced tactile experience when fully pressed down compared to the Honey Bean, although sensitivity and actuation feel can still be subjective. Thus, users seeking a lighter touch may gravitate toward the Honey Bean for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those favoring a stronger push may prefer the Poro for a more substantial feedback as they bottom out.
Travel distance
Both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.7 mm, resulting in a comparable keystroke experience. This identical travel distance ensures that users will feel similar feedback and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same specifications in terms of travel distance, individuals can expect similar typing dynamics, whether they prefer one switch over the other based on other characteristics or personal preferences.
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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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 delivers a delightful muted experience, ideal for those who require a quieter environment such as an office or shared workspace. This switch operates silently, minimizing the mechanical noise that typically accompanies more traditional switch designs. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a more pronounced auditory experience with its clacky sound profile. The Poro produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, which can provide a more satisfying auditory feedback to the user, though it may not be suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Thus, if you value a discreet typing experience, the Honey Bean is the clear choice, while those who enjoy a more sonorous keystroke may gravitate towards the Poro.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switches are characterized by their easy-to-press action, offering gentle resistance that ensures a comfortable and effortless typing experience. With their light actuation force, these switches reduce finger fatigue, making them suitable for extensive typing sessions. Additionally, the Honey Bean is noted for its feathery touch, allowing users to glide through keystrokes with minimal exertion. Conversely, the HMX Poro offers a more dynamic tactile experience with its bouncy feel, which provides spring-like feedback upon key activation. This lively sensation is complemented by a creamy smoothness, resulting in a buttery typing experience. Like the Honey Bean, the Poro also features a feathery action, making both switches accessible for users seeking comfort and ease during prolonged use.
In summary, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Poro linear switches cater to those who appreciate light actuation forces and effortless typing experiences, but they diverge significantly in sound characteristics. The Honey Bean shines in quiet environments where minimal sound is preferred, while the Poro caters to users who enjoy a more prominent acoustic feedback. The feel of both switches remains similarly inviting in terms of light pressure requirements; however, the Poro's unique bounce and creamy smoothness provide an experience distinctly different from the muted and gentle touch of the Honey Bean. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on your preferences for sound and the type of tactile feedback you seek while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches and HMX Poro linear switches ultimately depends on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize a quiet, seamless typing experience, especially in shared spaces like offices or libraries, the Honey Bean switches will be your best bet. Their muted sound profile and feathery feel ensure that you can type for extended periods without drawing attention or experiencing finger fatigue. In contrast, if you favor a more dynamic typing experience, complete with a satisfying sound and responsive feel, the HMX Poro switches would be more suitable. Their clacky noise and bouncy, creamy feedback offer an engaging experience that's perfect for both gaming and lively typing sessions. In essence, choose the Honey Bean for versatility and discreetness, and opt for the Poro when you're looking to infuse a bit of excitement into your typing experience.
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