Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a crucial role, particularly when comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which are linear switches renowned for their smooth and quiet operation. The Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their light, feathery feel and muted sound, making them an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is paramount. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switches are carefully engineered to provide a delightful typing experience, featuring a balanced 53g bottom-out force that offers a satisfying but gentle keystroke reminiscent of raindrops. While both switches excel in silent operation, the Honey Bean may appeal more to users seeking an effortlessly light touch, whereas the Silent Sakura caters to those who enjoy a slightly firmer tactile 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch, we observe notable differences in the materials used for their top and bottom housings, which in turn affects their overall sound profiles. The Honey Bean utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings. POM, known for its ability to produce a pleasing, unique sound, contributes to a deeper and more muted audio experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a nylon top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The nylon top provides a similar sound characteristic, producing a deep and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom, being a stiffer material, leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Therefore, while both switches aim for deeper sounds at their core, the materials used create subtle variances in their auditory experiences.
The impact of these materials becomes clearer when considering how each housing affects the user experience. In the Honey Bean, the uniformity of POM in both housing sections promotes a consistent sound profile that emphasizes muted qualities throughout the keystrokes. This might appeal to users who prefer a cohesive auditory response. Meanwhile, the contrasting combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Silent Sakura allows the user to experience a split between deeper sound from the top housing and a sharper resonance from the bottom. This specific arrangement leads to a more pronounced differentiation between the sound during the key press and the release, catering to those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory landscape.
Both switches ultimately yield robust typing experiences despite their differing materials. If users prioritize a muted and consistent sound profile, the Honey Bean may be the ideal choice, enhancing the overall feeling of warmth when typing. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more layered auditory feedback with clear distinctions between press and release can benefit significantly from the Silent Sakura's unique material combination. In essence, while the switches utilize different materials, they achieve a common ground in providing engaging sound profiles, allowing users to select their preference based on their desired typing atmosphere.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to different user preferences. The Honey Bean features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, whereas the Silent Sakura requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This difference may appeal to typists or gamers who favor a lighter touch for extended use versus those who appreciate a more substantial feeling in their keystrokes. However, the Jerrzi Honey Bean's bottom out force remains unknown, whereas the Silent Sakura has a bottom out force established at 53 grams, offering a more defined resistance when the key is fully pressed down. As such, those who opt for the Honey Bean may experience a more forgiving bottoming out, while the Silent Sakura provides a firmer typing experience overall. Ultimately, the Silent Sakura is the heavier of the two switches and may be better suited for users seeking a more forceful tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Honey Bean offers a more responsive feel, favoring those who appreciate shorter distances for quicker actuation, which is often preferred by gamers. In contrast, the Silent Sakura’s longer 4 mm distance may appeal to individuals who enjoy a more substantial keypress experience, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback. Thus, if you value responsiveness in your switches, the Honey Bean is the better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper keypress, the Silent Sakura would likely suit you better.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches excel in providing a muted auditory experience. Their design prioritizes silence, making them an excellent choice for environments where minimizing noise is essential. This discreet operation allows for a typing session that goes unnoticed, significantly reducing the clatter typically associated with mechanical keyboards. In contrast, while the sound profile of the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches is not explicitly described, their name suggests a similarly quiet experience. It can be expected that both switches cater to those who seek a whisper-quiet typing environment, though actual performance may vary depending on additional factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switches are characterized by an easy-to-press action, requiring minimal effort for activation. The gentle resistance promotes a comfortable typing experience, greatly reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Their feathery nature reinforces this idea, allowing typists to experience a light, responsive touch that feels effortless. Conversely, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g switches has not been detailed, but given their emphasis on a balanced actuation force, they likely offer a satisfying key press that doesn't require excessive force. This suggests a potentially complimentary typing experience, but without more specific descriptors, it's hard to make a direct comparison.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches are geared towards users who appreciate a quiet, gentle typing experience. The Honey Bean excels in sound dampening and offers a very light feel, making it ideal for extended typing without fatigue. The Silent Sakura - 53g switches promise a similarly quiet performance with a balanced actuation force, which may appeal to those who want a lightly weighted feel. While they both cater to a similar audience, personal preference in terms of the specific tactile sensation and sound will ultimately guide the choice between the two.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your choice will heavily depend on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself typing in a shared or professional setting where noise is a concern, the Honey Bean is an exceptional option due to its muted sound profile and gentle, feathery feel. This switch allows for an effortless typing experience with minimal finger strain, making it ideal for long hours of work or study. Conversely, if you appreciate a bit more tactile feedback along with a slightly higher actuation force, the Silent Sakura - 53g might be more to your liking. This switch delivers a balanced 53g force that provides just enough resistance for those who prefer a light yet satisfying keystroke without the clatter. In essence, choose the Honey Bean for silent comfort in collaborative spaces, while the Silent Sakura appeals to those who cherish a whisper-quiet experience with a touch more feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct user needs, so consider your typing habits and environment when making your decision.