Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the SP-Star Duck offer unique typing experiences for different preferences. The Honey Bean is well-loved for its light and linear action, making it perfect for those seeking a silent and easy-to-press switch, ideal for office use or shared environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Duck switches provide a more subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentle tactility and a clean sound profile that many find satisfying. While the Honey Bean is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Duck is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. 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
58g
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
Polycarbonate
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 SP-Star Duck switches differ in terms of the top and bottom housings. The Honey Bean features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Duck utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of POM in the Honey Bean results in a more unique sound experience, while the polycarbonate in the Duck offers a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Duck's housing is beneficial for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice among users looking to customize their keyboards with colorful effects.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Honey Bean and Duck switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM housing in the Honey Bean provides a pleasing and deeper sound, while the polycarbonate housing in the Duck offers a sharper and crisper sound. It's important to consider how these qualities affect the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a more muted and unique sound like the Honey Bean or a clear and resonant sound like the Duck, both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and SP-Star Duck switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and design. While the POM housing in the Honey Bean creates a more unique and deeper sound, the polycarbonate housing in the Duck provides a sharper and crisper sound experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Duck also makes it a popular option for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting effects into their keyboard setup. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, sound profile, or typing feel, both switches offer qualities that cater to a variety of user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that they both offer different advantages. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unknown, so it is difficult to determine the overall feel of the switch when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Duck tactile switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The actuation force for the Duck is not specified, so it is unclear how it compares to the Honey Bean in terms of initial keystroke sensitivity. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and key press weight.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Honey Bean has a shorter travel distance compared to the Duck. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for its faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying feeling of depth when typing. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other switches. This makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is important, such as in office settings. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you're using it at home or work. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Honey Bean switch is easy-to-press and feathery, offering gentle resistance and a light actuation force for effortless typing. This helps reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, with smooth and fluid keystrokes that offer a seamless and uniform sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of the Duck switch ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek typing experience.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with light actuation and linear action, the Honey Bean switch is a great choice. If you're looking for a subtle tactile feel with smooth keystrokes and a polished finish, the Duck switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a satisfying and effective typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value a silent and smooth typing experience with minimal finger fatigue, the Honey Bean switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactile feel with a clean sound profile and a more polished typing experience, the Duck switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, whether you prioritize noise reduction, ease of typing, or a refined keystroke sensation, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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