Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie each offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences and environments. The Honey Bean stands out with its light and linear action, providing a silent and muted typing experience that's ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is essential. Its easy-to-press design ensures a feathery touch that many typists appreciate for prolonged use. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie features a medium-weight all-POM construction, which not only enhances durability but also produces a distinctive thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying. This switch strikes a balance between smoothness and aural feedback, making it appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your priorities—whether you seek quietness or a richer auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, it's evident that both switches utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is significant, as POM is known for its durability and low friction properties, which contribute to a smooth keystroke experience. Both switches produce a sound profile that is described as uniquely pleasing and significantly muted. The deeper sound characteristic allows for a more satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Despite using the same housing material, the overall performance of each switch might vary if the design of the top and bottom housings differs. Since both the Honey Bean and Sea Salt Smoothie feature POM in their housings, users can expect a similar yet distinct experience when switching between the two. The bottom housing's qualities will influence the sound and feel during key presses, impacting how they sound upon bottoming out, while the top housing will predominantly determine the sound produced when the key is released. Nevertheless, the mutual use of POM underscores a shared foundation in sound quality and tactile experience for both of these switches.

Ultimately, users can anticipate comparable results regarding sound profile and keystroke feel from both the Honey Bean and Sea Salt Smoothie, primarily due to their identical choice of POM for housing materials. If any differences exist, they would likely stem from the design nuances in the switch construction rather than the materials used. Thus, keyboard enthusiasts looking for a satisfying and muted auditory experience will find both switches appealing, thanks to the inherent qualities of POM, which remain consistent across both products.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find some interesting distinctions. The Honey Bean switch requires a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the 48 grams required by the Sea Salt Smoothie. This difference means that typists and gamers who prefer a lighter touch may find the Honey Bean more comfortable for prolonged use. However, the bottom out forces for both switches remain unspecified, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison in that regard. While the Honey Bean is the lighter option, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a heavier feel, which might appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a lighter force for extended usage, the Honey Bean would be the preferable choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may cater better to those who like a stronger push.

Travel distance

Both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.7 mm, which means that users will experience the same key press depth with either switch. Since the travel distance is the same, pressing down on a key with either switch will yield similar tactile feedback and responsiveness. This parity in travel distance ensures that whether you choose the Honey Bean or the Sea Salt Smoothie, you'll achieve a comparable typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch provides a distinctly muted profile, producing a soft and quieter sound compared to traditional mechanical switches. This feature makes them particularly appealing for use in office environments or shared spaces, where excessive noise can be disruptive. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is noted for its thocky sound profile, although its exact sound characteristics as a linear switch remain unspecified. The sound experience of the Sea Salt Smoothie may also be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps, making it potentially more lively than the more subdued Honey Bean.

When considering the feel, the Honey Bean switches are characterized by their easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This gentle resistance contributes to a smooth typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long hours of use. The description of a feathery touch further emphasizes their lightweight action, making them ideal for both gaming and daily typing tasks. The Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, lacks specific descriptors in the information provided, leaving its tactile characteristics somewhat of a mystery. Nevertheless, it is intended to offer a smooth action, which might align with the lightweight and effortless feel characteristic of the Honey Bean.

Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the Honey Bean will serve you well with its muted sound and effortless activation. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a thocky sound signature and the promise of smooth operation, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the right choice, albeit with less clarity on its tactile feedback. Both options are excellent linear switches, but the overall experience will hinge on individual preferences regarding sound intensity and the tactile sensation during use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately boils down to your specific needs and typing environment. If you're looking for a switch that is quiet, perfect for shared spaces, and offers a light and effortless typing experience, the Honey Bean is an excellent choice. Its muted sound profile and feathery feel make it ideal for long hours of typing without causing fatigue, making it particularly suitable for office environments or study sessions where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a satisfying thocky sound and the smooth action characteristic of high-quality all-POM switches, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the way to go. Its medium weight provides a more tactile feel, which can be enjoyable for those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing or gaming. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, so consider your primary use case—whether it’s a peaceful work environment or a more expressive gaming setup—and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more