Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, it is evident that they offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Honey Bean switch is renowned for its light and linear action, along with its silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. On the other hand, the Snow switch sets itself apart by utilizing POK material for a deeper sound signature and smooth typing experience. While the Honey Bean switch is described as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Snow switch is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preference and specific requirements. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Snow switches offer different characteristics and qualities to the overall typing experience. The Honey Bean's POM top housing provides a unique sound profile on the deeper side with a relatively muted tone, while the Snow's POK top housing contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches with exceptional strength and wear resistance. The POK material is known for its smoothness and durability, making it a preferred choice for switch construction.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing offers a pleasing and unique sound profile similar to its top housing, with a deeper and more muted tone. On the other hand, the Snow's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. This difference in materials affects the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how each material contributes to the sound and feel of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing material are more noticeable during key presses, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Honey Bean and the Snow switches, their unique characteristics ultimately contribute to a satisfying typing experience in their own ways.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unknown, while the Snow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey Bean, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Snow may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a slightly heavier actuation force and a known bottom out force. Both switches offer unique experiences depending on individual preferences, with the Honey Bean being lighter in actuation force and the Snow being heavier overall.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feeling when pressing down on the keys compared to the Snow switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for the depth and responsiveness of the keys. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of speed and performance.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 experience, providing a softer and quieter typing sound that is perfect for shared environments or offices where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound with a deep and rich tone that is satisfying to the user. While the Honey Bean focuses on a discreet and noise-minimizing approach, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of material for a unique sound signature. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their sound preference.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing the typing experience. Conversely, the Dareu Snow switch provides a bouncy sensation with a spring-like feedback, giving the keys a lively feel and enjoyable rebound when they are pressed. Both switches offer unique typing experiences in terms of feel, catering to users who prefer either a light and effortless key press or a more bouncy and responsive typing feel.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a muted and easy-to-press typing experience, perfect for quiet environments and effortless typing sessions. In contrast, the Snow switch stands out with its thocky sound and bouncy feel, offering a deeper sound and spring-like key press feedback. Depending on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable time spent at the keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when looking to choose between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you need a switch that offers a silent and light typing experience, ideal for office or shared settings where noise reduction is crucial, then the Honey Bean switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deeper sound profile, made possible by innovative POK material in its construction, then the Snow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your priorities regarding sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you desire.