Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Honey Bean is praised for its light and linear action, along with its silent operation, making it ideal for shared environments where noise reduction is important. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver boasts a short travel distance for quick actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the Honey Bean is easy-to-press and provides a feathery feel, the Smoothie Silver offers a unique typing experience with its lightning-fast actuation and smooth touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, as the POM material in the top and bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch. In terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a similar experience due to the shared housing materials.
However, where the two switches may differ is in the specific qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials. The bottom housing of a switch typically has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when the key is released. This distinction may result in subtle variations in the typing experience between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, despite their shared POM housing materials.
Ultimately, whether one prefers the Jerrzi Honey Bean or the Gateron Smoothie Silver may come down to personal preference for the specific sound and feel produced by each switch. While both switches offer a similar overall experience due to their shared POM housing materials, the nuanced differences between the impact of the top and bottom housing on typing sound and feel may be a factor for some users when choosing between the two. It is important to consider these distinctions to determine which switch aligns best with individual typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the actuation force of the Honey Bean is lighter at 42 grams compared to the Smoothie Silver's 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey Bean may be the preferable option, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback when typing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the importance of actuation force in the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Honey Bean. Both distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the Smoothie Silver would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a switch with a bit more depth to the keystrokes, the Honey Bean may be more to your liking. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance you prefer in a linear switch.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 linear switch offers a muted typing experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them ideal for shared environments or offices where a quieter typing experience is preferred. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch does not have a specific sound description provided, but it is known for its thocky sound, which might appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial typing noise. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switches are lauded for their easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a light and effortless typing experience. With minimal force required for actuation, these switches reduce finger fatigue and enhance overall typing comfort, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. As for the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, specifics about their feel are not provided, but they are known to have a feather-light touch and unmatched smoothness, which could appeal to those seeking a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
Both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Honey Bean excels in providing a silent typing experience suited for shared environments, the Smoothie Silver impresses with lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If you enjoy a quieter and lighter typing feel, the Honey Bean is a great option, while the Smoothie Silver caters to those who prefer a faster actuation and unique sound profile.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for an office or shared space, the Honey Bean switches with their light and linear action would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for lightning-fast actuation and a thocky sound in a gaming setting, the Smoothie Silvers with their all-POM construction and feather-light touch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming setup.
Mentioned in this article
