Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Jerrzi Honey Bean, a linear switch, and the Durock T1, a tactile switch. The Honey Bean switches offer a light and linear action that is complemented by their silent operation, making them ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the T1 tactile switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump when pressed, reminiscent of rain falling on a window. While the Honey Bean is easy-to-press and feathery, the T1 is characterized by its stepped and low-pitched feel. Both switches have their own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean's POM top housing and bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a unique and pleasing typing experience. In contrast, the Durock T1's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in material between the two switches results in distinct auditory experiences, with the T1 offering a crisper sound compared to the more mellow sound of the Honey Bean.
Both switches feature unique housing materials that directly impact the sound profile and overall feel of typing. The POM top and bottom housing of the Honey Bean create a consistent deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings of the T1 offer a combination of sharpness and depth in the sound profile. Despite the differences in materials used, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, there is a switch available to suit your preference.
In terms of construction, the impact of the housing materials on the typing experience can be felt in different ways. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of pressing down on a key, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when letting go of a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each material contributing to the overall sound profile in a unique manner. Whether using the Jerrzi Honey Bean or the Durock T1, users can expect a tactile and auditory experience that is tailored to the specific properties of the housing materials used.
Weight
The actuation force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is 42 grams, while the Durock T1 tactile switch does not specify an exact actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey Bean switch does not provide information, while the T1 requires 67 grams before bottoming out. The Honey Bean switch would be considered lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the T1, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey Bean switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the T1 switch for its heavier bottom out force. While specific details may differ between the two switches, overall, both can provide similar results depending on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock T1 tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Despite the minimal difference of 0.3 mm, it can still impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize quicker response times may prefer the Honey Bean due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the T1. Both switches fall within the range of being a relatively short travel distance, so the difference in feel may be subtle to some users. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch produces a low-pitched sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, creating a soothing auditory experience. Both switches provide a pleasant typing sound, but the Honey Bean excels in creating a more discreet and office-friendly environment, while the T1 offers a unique and relaxing sound experience that may appeal to users who enjoy a softer typing noise.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Honey Bean is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a feathery typing experience. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Durock T1 offers a stepped feel with a medium bump, providing a comfortable typing experience with a balanced amount of tactility. Additionally, the T1 switch is accented and polished, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing sessions. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, catering to different preferences in terms of actuation force and tactility.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for office settings or shared environments. On the other hand, the T1 offers a comfortable typing feel with a balanced tactile response, suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced bump during key presses. Depending on the desired sound profile and typing experience, users can expect similar levels of satisfaction and performance from both switches, tailored to their individual preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, consider the environment in which you will be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a silent and discreet typing experience, especially in an office setting or shared environment, the Honey Bean switch would be an excellent choice due to its light and linear action. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the T1 switch would be more suitable, especially if you enjoy the feeling of a medium bump while typing. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will play a significant role in choosing between these two switches.
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