Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Jerrzi Honey Bean, a linear switch, and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp), a tactile switch. The Honey Bean switches are well-known for their light and linear action, offering a silent typing experience that is perfect for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a tactile bump and a quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a tactile feel without the loud clicky noise. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Silent T1 is described as 'Stepped', 'Accented', 'Muted', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their unique benefits and advantages, but ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preference and specific usage. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in comparison to POM. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency allows for RGB lighting effects, making it a preferred choice for users seeking visual customization.
In terms of bottom housings, the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean and the nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also contribute to distinct sound profiles. The POM material in the Honey Bean offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon material in the Silent T1 creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer composition. This difference highlights how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience, affecting sound and tactile feedback. Users looking for a softer, more absorbing sound may prefer switches with a nylon bottom housing.
While the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer different sound profiles, the combination of materials in each switch allows for a balanced typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings allows users to feel the impact of the bottom housing during key presses, while the top housing influences the sound when keys are released. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and customization options, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a personalized typing experience. Ultimately, users can choose between POM and polycarbonate or nylon based on their preference for deeper, muted sounds or sharper, crisper tones.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences for users. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, its bottom out force is unknown, so the typing experience may vary. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with each keystroke. While the actuation force of the Silent T1 is unknown, users can expect a significant difference in the force required to bottom out compared to the Honey Bean. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey Bean may be more suitable, while the Silent T1 is ideal for users who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Silent T1 tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Despite the small difference of 0.3 mm, this variance can be felt when typing or gaming, as each switch provides a unique tactile experience. Gamers may appreciate the faster response time of the Honey Bean due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel to their keystrokes may opt for the Silent T1. Both switches offer quality performance, but the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches are described as muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. This makes them both great choices for noise-sensitive environments such as offices or shared spaces. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by the switches can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery nature, providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, featuring a medium bump with a padded bottom-out for a more tactile typing experience without the accompanying noise. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and responsive typing feel, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback and actuation force.
Overall, whether you choose the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, you can expect a pleasant typing experience with reduced noise levels. The Honey Bean offers a smooth linear action for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Silent T1 combines tactile feedback with a silenced operation for a unique typing feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, either of these switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience and environment. If you prioritize a silent operation and a light, linear typing feel, the Honey Bean switch is the way to go, making it perfect for office or shared spaces where noise is a concern. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile switch with a medium bump and a subdued sound profile, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is the ideal choice for those looking for a tactile and silenced typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing feel and noise level that best suits your needs and preferences.
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