Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended usage. The Jerrzi Honey Bean switch stands out with its delightful, light, and linear action, along with its silent operation, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where minimizing noise is essential. This switch is characterized by its easy-to-press feel, feathery touch, and muted sound, ensuring a discreet yet satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU switch is distinguished by its robust PA12 housing and a T5 stem, which contribute to a subtle yet relatively deep sound profile. While it may not prioritize silence in the same way as the Honey Bean, the HMX SU switch offers a unique tactile experience that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches hinges on your specific typing needs 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX SU switches showcase key differences that affect their sound profiles and overall typing experience, yet they also share some similarities that can lead to comparable results. The Honey Bean features POM (Polyoxymethylene) in both its top and bottom housings, creating a distinct sound that is both deeper and somewhat muted. The POM material is known for its rigidity and smooth texture, contributing to a unique auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX SU employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for being a softer plastic, which allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is rounder and less sharp compared to that of harder materials.
Despite their differing materials, both the POM of the Honey Bean and the nylon of the HMX SU ultimately aim to create a more pleasing auditory outcome. While the Honey Bean's POM may offer a sharper and more unique sound profile, the nylon in the SU allows for a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. This difference can significantly alter the feel of a keystroke; the POM construction will emphasize the tactile feedback with a more pronounced sound upon bottoming out, while the nylon's softness will provide a smoother transition which culminates in a less aggressive sound. Nevertheless, both switches cater to users who enjoy a deeper typing sound, albeit through different mechanisms.
When it comes to the overall performance and feeling of pressing down on these switches, the distinction between their housing materials becomes even more apparent. Since the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, the POM in the Honey Bean may lend a sharper thock, whereas the softer nylon in the HMX SU will result in a mellower bottoming sound. Conversely, the top housing impacts the sound released when a key is released, which for the Honey Bean leans toward a distinct, more pronounced pop due to the hardness of the POM, while the SU’s nylon will provide a softer thud. Regardless of these differences, users can achieve similar satisfying auditory results by selecting either switch. The distinctive sound profiles can enhance the typing experience, enriching the feedback and enjoyment of each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Honey Bean features an actuation force of 42 grams, which is lighter than the HMX SU's actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Honey Bean potentially more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean remains unknown, while the HMX SU offers a clearly defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a firmer feedback upon reaching the end of the keypress. While users seeking a light, easy keystroke may gravitate towards the Honey Bean, those who favor a more substantial feel might find the HMX SU's heavier actuation and bottom out forces more desirable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, it's clear that they differ slightly, with the Honey Bean having a travel distance of 3.7 mm and the SU measuring at 3.6 mm. The Jerrzi Honey Bean, being the longer option, offers a more substantial depth, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke. In contrast, the HMX SU's shorter travel distance might be preferable for gamers or those seeking a quicker, more responsive feel when typing. Both switches offer a range of 3.6 mm to 4.0 mm, which falls into the category of conventional to somewhat shallow travel distances, but those who favor a deeper keystroke might find the Honey Bean more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a more pronounced key press or a snappier response.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is notable for its muted profile, producing a softer and quieter sound that is ideal for office settings or shared environments. This muted quality ensures that it minimizes the noise typical of mechanical keyboards, allowing for a discreet typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has a different auditory characteristic, featuring a subtly deeper sound profile. However, specific details about the exact sound level remain unspecified. It's essential to remember that the overall sound experience can be influenced by various factors, such as the choice of the keyboard housing and keycaps.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Honey Bean switches provide an exceptionally comfortable typing experience. They require minimal force to actuate, making them easy to press, which reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Their feathery action further enhances this ease, allowing users to type effortlessly without much exertion. Unfortunately, there is no provided information regarding the tactile feel of the HMX SU switches, which leaves some uncertainty in this aspect. Generally, fans of soft and responsive switches would find the Honey Bean particularly appealing for long use.
In summation, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch excels in providing a muted sound and a light, comfortable feel, making it ideal for quiet environments and prolonged typing. While the HMX SU linear switch offers a distinct, deeper sound profile, the absence of additional details on its feel leaves a gap in insight. Ultimately, those seeking a quiet and gentle typing experience would likely gravitate toward the Honey Bean, while the HMX SU would appeal to users looking for a different auditory quality.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your specific typing environment and style. If you find yourself typing in a quiet or shared workspace where noise should be minimized, the Honey Bean is your go-to option. Its silent operation combined with a muted sound profile provides a discreet typing experience while keeping finger fatigue at bay, making it ideal for long hours of work or study. Additionally, its easy-to-press and feathery feel ensures that you can type comfortably without much effort. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a subtle sound profile that offers a slightly deeper auditory feedback, and you don’t mind a bit more resistance while typing, the HMX SU might be the better choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying yet light feel that caters well to those who enjoy a more tactile experience while still maintaining ease of use. Ultimately, the best switch depends on your preferences for noise level, tactile response, and the typing environment you find yourself in.
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