Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and Jerrzi Salt Ice are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that each offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Honey Bean switch is praised for its light and linear action, making it ideal for office or shared environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch is known for its bright and clacky feel, providing a vibrant feedback and effortless actuation for a more energetic typing experience. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Muted', the Salt Ice does not have specific categories listed. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that both switches feature POM and polycarbonate housings. The POM top and bottom housings of the Honey Bean create a deep and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate housings of the Salt Ice produce a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Honey Bean results in a unique sound, whereas the polycarbonate in the Salt Ice offers a more resonant sound quality. Despite these differences, both switches provide distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials.
While the Honey Bean and Salt Ice share similarities in their use of POM and polycarbonate for housing materials, the qualities they bring to the switches differ. The POM housings in the Honey Bean produce a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate housings in the Salt Ice create a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch, catering to different preferences and requirements for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Jerrzi Salt Ice comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The POM housings of the Honey Bean offer a pleasing and unique sound profile, while the polycarbonate housings of the Salt Ice provide a sharper and crisper sound experience. Whether one prefers a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, more resonant sound, both switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials. Regardless of the differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, compared to the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Honey Bean switch, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The 0.3 mm difference may not seem like much, but it can make a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance, such as the Salt Ice, you may experience faster response times, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking quick reactions. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Honey Bean may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more robust feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the type of experience you are looking for.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 provides a muted typing experience, producing softer and quieter keystrokes compared to other switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a more discreet and low-noise typing solution, ideal for office or shared environments where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch lacks a specific descriptor for sound, but based on its bright and clacky characteristics, it can be assumed to offer a more audible typing experience compared to the Honey Bean.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a light and effortless typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch does not have a specific descriptor for feel, but given its light touch and vibrant feedback, it can be inferred to provide a responsive and energetic typing experience that may require a bit more force compared to the Honey Bean.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is best suited for those who prioritize a quiet and effortless typing experience, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch caters to users seeking a more vibrant and responsive typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Honey Bean and Salt Ice switches will result in differing sound levels and typing feels, providing users with options to suit their specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider the environment and typing experience you desire. If you prioritize a quiet and discreet typing experience, especially in an office or shared space, the Honey Bean switches with their silent operation and light linear action would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you seek a vibrant and responsive typing experience with bright and clacky characteristics, the Salt Ice switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a quieter, easy-to-press feel or a more energetic and responsive typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and requirements.
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