Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Huano Strawberry Latte both offer distinct advantages, catering to different user preferences while still falling under the linear switch category. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its light and feathery action along with its silent operation, making it an ideal choice for office settings or shared environments where noise control is paramount. Its easy-to-press feel ensures a satisfying typing experience without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte boasts a super smooth keystroke, utilizing the latest molds from Huano to create a balanced sound profile that strikes a pleasing middle ground—not overly quiet yet not excessively loud. This makes it well-suited for users who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback without the distraction of clunky noise. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience, their differing characteristics may appeal to different settings and preferences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Huano Strawberry Latte utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct auditory properties. The Honey Bean's top and bottom housings are both made from polyoxymethylene (POM), which is known for creating a pleasing and muted sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a top housing made from polyketone (POK) and a bottom housing crafted from nylon. The POK material, while offering smoothness and durability, produces a more clacky sound compared to the Honey Bean's deeper tones, particularly due to its lower coefficient of friction, which allows for a different tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches can produce enjoyable sounds, the character of those sounds diverges based on the materials employed.
Examining the bottom housing, the contrast becomes more pronounced. The Honey Bean's POM bottom housing retains the same muted sound profile characteristic of its design, whereas the Strawberry Latte's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. Nylon's absorption of sound contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it distinct from the silken quality of the POM bottom. Thus, while the Honey Bean provides a cohesive sonic texture, the Strawberry Latte's combination of nylon and POK creates a layered sound experience that may appeal to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the interplay between top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in defining the overall typing experience of each switch. The Honey Bean, with uniform POM materials, offers a consistent sound and feel governed by its muted characteristics. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Latte's varying materials create a more complex and versatile auditory dynamic that engages users with both smoothness and resilience. By understanding these differences, users can make informed choices based on their desired typing feel and sound preferences, even though both switches excel in their unique approaches to housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The Honey Bean features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it noticeably heavier than the Strawberry Latte's actuation force of 35 grams, which is considered lighter and may be more favorable for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown, while the Strawberry Latte has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that it offers a firmer feel upon fully depressing the key. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the heavier actuation force of the Honey Bean, combined with its unknown bottom out measurement, may provide a more solid feel. In contrast, those leaning towards a lighter and potentially quicker engagement might prefer the Strawberry Latte due to its lower actuation force and known, lighter bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we find distinct differences. The Honey Bean switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This makes the Honey Bean the longer switch option, providing a deeper feedback experience which can appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may be better suited for gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, those who enjoy a more responsive experience might gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, whereas those favoring depth will likely choose the Honey Bean.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 switch is characterized by its muted profile, making it an ideal choice for users in shared spaces or quieter environments. The subdued acoustics of the Honey Bean ensure that typing produces less noise, allowing for a focused atmosphere. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced sound profile that sits between being too quiet and overly resonant. While not specifically noted as silent, the Strawberry Latte's sound is designed to be pleasant without drawing excessive attention, providing a suitable option for users who enjoy a more moderate auditory feedback while typing.
Regarding the feel, the Honey Bean switches are renowned for their easy-to-press tactile response, promoting a seamless typing experience. Their low actuation force means users can type effortlessly, reducing finger fatigue over prolonged periods. The feathery quality of these switches enhances the comfort level, making them particularly appealing for extensive typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the subjective details regarding the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switches are not provided, leading to an unknown comparative stance. However, given the description of the Honey Bean's feel, should the Strawberry Latte exhibit similar characteristics, users could expect a similarly pleasant experience.
In conclusion, selecting between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches boils down to individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. The Honey Bean shines in sound isolation and finger-friendly action, making it ideal for quieter settings, whereas the Strawberry Latte provides a balanced auditory experience. For users who prioritize a discreet typing atmosphere without compromising on the typing feel, the Honey Bean is a strong contender. However, if a more moderate sound profile is preferred with potential unknown tactile qualities, the Strawberry Latte may suffice. Ultimately, both switches can lead to satisfying results, depending on your specific needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you work in a shared environment or office setting and prioritize noise reduction, the Honey Bean switches would be an ideal choice due to their muted sound profile and easy-to-press, feathery feel. They allow for a smooth, almost effortless typing experience, making them particularly suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you value a balanced acoustic experience and enjoy a bit more tactile feedback in your keystrokes, the Strawberry Latte switches might be more your style. With a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, they offer a satisfying sensation that is both enjoyable and functional without being excessively loud. Ultimately, consider factors such as your environment, typing habits, and how much you value sound and feel to determine which switch will enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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