Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, it's all about finding the perfect match for your typing needs. The Honey Bean switch is ideal for those who prefer a light and linear typing experience that is both satisfying and quiet, making it perfect for office or shared environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a light 45g bottom-out that caters to those who prefer a softer touch while typing. Both switches are categorized as easy-to-press, but the Honey Bean is feathery and muted, whereas the Purple Star is mild, low-pitched, and offers a buttery smooth feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and KTT Purple Star switches are both made of POM, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This means that in terms of sound and feel, both switches may offer similar experiences to the user. However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a given switch, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound and feel differently.
In terms of construction, the POM top and bottom housings of the Honey Bean and Purple Star switches are likely to provide a solid build quality and durability. POM is known for its high strength, stiffness, and toughness, making it a reliable material for keyboard switches. The use of POM in both the top and bottom housings of these switches ensures that they are able to withstand repeated usage without wearing out quickly, providing a long-lasting typing experience for the user.
When it comes to typing experience, the slightly muted and deeper sound profile of the POM housing in both the Honey Bean and Purple Star switches can result in a more pleasant and less clacky typing experience compared to other materials. This may be particularly appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing sound. Overall, while the housing materials of these switches are the same, the design and construction of the top and bottom housings may still affect the overall typing experience in different ways.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force of both switches is relatively similar, with the Honey Bean requiring 42 grams and the Purple Star needing 43 grams. However, the bottom out force reveals a difference between the two switches. The Honey Bean's bottom out force is unspecified, while the Purple Star requires 50 grams to bottom out, making it the heavier option. The Honey Bean offers a lighter typing experience due to its unknown bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch when typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the Purple Star provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. The difference may not be significant, but those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Purple Star, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may opt for the Honey Bean. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster reaction speeds. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for shared environments. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, the Honey Bean switch may be more suitable for those looking for a quieter typing experience, while the Purple Star switch may appeal to individuals who enjoy a deeper and mellower sound profile.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and overall typing experience. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star switch is noted for its mild and easy-to-press characteristics, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground. Both switches prioritize ease of use and comfort, catering to individuals who prefer a lighter touch when typing.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of both switches, users can expect a smooth and linear typing experience from both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the KTT Purple Star switches. While the Honey Bean excels in providing a discreet and muted typing sound, along with a feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue, the Purple Star offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Users can expect a similar level of satisfaction in terms of performance and comfort from both switches, with minor variations in sound and feel to cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you value a silent operation and a light, linear typing experience, the Honey Bean switch would be an excellent choice, especially for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing feel with a slightly lower bottom-out force, the Purple Star switch may be more suitable for you, particularly if you are a light typist looking for comfort and ease of use. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and needs.
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