Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean switch is known for its light and linear action, with a silent operation that is well-suited for office or shared environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a cushioned, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a quieter typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the keys. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean creates a deeper and more muted sound, which may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a higher-pitched and clacky sound that adds a satisfying tactile element to key presses. While both top housings offer unique sound profiles, the Honey Bean's POM top housing may be preferred for its quieter typing experience compared to the louder and more tactile nature of the Silent Ink Black.
Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the INK blend bottom housing of the Gateron Silent Ink Black also contribute to the sound and feel of the switches. The deeper and more muted sound profile of the POM bottom housing in the Honey Bean aligns with its top housing, creating a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the higher-pitched and clacky sound of the INK blend bottom housing in the Silent Ink Black complements its top housing, offering a more dynamic and tactile typing experience. The split between the bottom and top housings allows for a balanced key press that delivers both a satisfying sound upon bottom-out and release.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer different sound profiles, they both provide unique typing experiences. The POM housings of the Honey Bean create a quieter and more muted sound, appealing to those seeking a subtle typing experience. In contrast, the INK blend housings of the Silent Ink Black offer a more dynamic and tactile sound, appealing to users who enjoy a louder and more pronounced typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. The bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown, while the Silent Ink Black has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Honey Bean may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black may be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push force. 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, which is shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Honey Bean offers a slightly shallower press compared to the Silent Ink Black, which may cater to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a shorter or longer travel distance in your typing experience.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches provide a muted typing experience, perfect for quiet environments. The muted sound of these switches reduces the typical mechanical keyboard noise, providing a more discreet typing experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Honey Bean switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience. With gentle resistance and light actuation force, typing on these switches is effortless and comfortable, ideal for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished feel, delivering a smooth typing experience with reduced friction and refined key travel.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean excels in providing a light and linear action with minimal noise, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a cushioned bottom-out feel and smooth key travel, enhancing the typing experience. Depending on whether you prioritize noise reduction or typing comfort, you can achieve similar results with either switch by selecting the one that best fits your needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with light actuation and feather-like key presses, the Honey Bean switch is the way to go. It is perfect for shared spaces like offices where noise levels need to be minimized. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a cushy bottom-out feel and smooth key travel, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is a great option. It excels in providing a comfortable, quiet typing experience. Overall, choose the Honey Bean for a light and silent typing experience and the Silent Ink Black for a smooth and cushioned typing feel.
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