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Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring

An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean, a linear switch, to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, a tactile switch, it's important to consider their unique characteristics. The Honey Bean offers a light and linear action, perfect for a quiet typing experience in shared environments with its muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring provides a medium level of tactility with a deep and thocky sound, making it a great option for those who prefer a bit more feedback while typing. 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

48g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.70 mm

Total travel

4.00 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

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

20mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring, it is evident that the Honey Bean utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The differences in sound produced by the housing materials reflect the unique characteristics of each switch, with the POM of the Honey Bean offering a more subdued tone compared to the vibrant sound of the polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring.

While the Honey Bean and the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring have differing top and bottom housing materials, they both offer distinct advantages to the overall sound profile of the switch. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean creates a pleasantly deep sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring delivers a sharper and more resonant tone. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to its muted sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring enhances the clarity and impact of the switch's sound when bottoming out.

Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Honey Bean's POM housing offers a unique and pleasing deep sound, the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring's polycarbonate housing provides a crisper and more dynamic tone. Both switches utilize their housing materials effectively to enhance the overall typing experience, with the differences in sound profile adding variety and customization options for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether opting for the deeper tones of POM or the sharper sounds of polycarbonate, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from either switch.

Weight

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Shadow's 48 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Shadow is heavier at 55 grams, while the bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown. This means that the Shadow switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the heavier bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Honey Bean may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on whether the user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch. This difference may be subtle, but for some users, it can make a noticeable impact on the feel of the switch. If you prefer a slightly deeper press, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for a faster response time, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels more comfortable to individual users.

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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring for $3.57.

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 softer and quieter sounds compared to regular mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is important, such as offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch has a deep and thocky sound profile, which adds to the tactile typing experience. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Honey Bean providing a more discreet typing experience, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a satisfying thocky sound.

When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel. These qualities provide a light and gentle typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offers a bouncy feel with its spring-like feedback, providing a lively sensation when typing. This adds to the tactile experience and can enhance typing speed and accuracy for those who prefer a more responsive keystroke.

Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a muted typing experience with easy-to-press and feathery key presses, while the Shadow (Ink) Single Spring offers a deep thocky sound and bouncy tactile feedback for a more dynamic typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual typing preferences and environment needs. However, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, you can expect similar results from both switches in providing a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are seeking a smooth and silent typing experience ideal for shared spaces like offices, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch would be a perfect choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium level of tactility and a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Single Spring switch is the ideal option. Consider your environment, typing preferences, and sound preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs.

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