Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Kailh Sage offer unique characteristics to consider. The Jerrzi Honey Bean is a linear switch known for its light and feathery feel, perfect for a silent typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that provides a distinct and satisfying typing experience with its sharp clickiness and invigorating feel. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Muted', the Sage is categorized as 'Sharp' and 'Crunchy'. 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 the Kailh Sage both offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used in their housing. The Honey Bean features a POM top housing which creates a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Sage's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles is due to the difference in stiffness between POM and polycarbonate plastics. While the POM top housing of the Honey Bean offers a pleasing sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sage provides a crisper and more resonant sound, especially beneficial for RGB lighting effects.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Honey Bean utilizes POM, which also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Sage features a nylon bottom housing, offering a fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The combination of a nylon bottom housing with a polycarbonate top housing in the Sage provides a unique balance of sound characteristics, combining depth and clarity for an overall well-rounded sound experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on the characteristics of their housing materials.
When considering a switch with different top and bottom housing materials, it is important to recognize how each material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing will be more pronounced during bottom-out moments, while the top housing will play a greater role in the sound when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a more nuanced sound profile that can be tailored to individual preferences. While the Honey Bean and the Sage offer contrasting sound profiles based on their housing materials, they both provide unique and pleasing typing experiences for users looking for specific sound characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean is lighter with its actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the unknown actuation force of the Sage. However, the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Honey Bean is not specified. This means that typing on the Honey Bean may require less force to start a keystroke but may lack the heftier feel when fully pressed compared to the Sage. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey Bean may be the preferred choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Sage. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, we can see that the Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the 3.6 mm of the Sage. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market today. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be very noticeable in actual use. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Sage 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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular switch. This makes it ideal for shared environments where noise reduction is prioritized. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a crunchy and sharp clickiness with each keystroke, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. The Sage switch is more audibly distinct compared to the Honey Bean, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a clicky typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Honey Bean switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities. It offers minimal resistance during key presses, requiring little force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue over extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Kailh Sage switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a moderate to firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive typing feel. The pronounced feedback and strong tactile bump of the Sage switch create an immersive typing sensation for users who prefer a more tactile keystroke.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is best suited for those seeking a quiet and light typing experience, perfect for office settings or shared workspaces where noise levels must be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is ideal for users who appreciate a sharp and defined clicky sound with a more tactile and invigorating typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect switch for their individual typing needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch or the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a silent typing experience and prefer a light, linear feel with minimal resistance, the Honey Bean switch would be the ideal choice for you, especially in a shared environment like an office. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky sound, heavier actuation force, and a sharp tactile feedback that provides an invigorating typing sensation, the Kailh Sage switch would be more suitable, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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