Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean, a linear switch, and the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, we see two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Honey Bean switches offer a smooth and light linear action, perfect for those seeking a silent typing experience ideal for the office or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Taro switches provide a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility, offering satisfying yet crisp clacks while typing. The Honey Bean is categorized as easy to press, feathery, and muted, whereas the Taro is categorized as neutral, buttery, and stepped. When deciding between these two switches, consider the environment in which you'll be using them and the level of tactility you prefer. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best choice for your needs.
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Jwick Taro offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Honey Bean's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Honey Bean's POM bottom housing maintains the same pleasing and unique sound profile as the top housing, while the Taro's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition.
The differing housing materials of the Honey Bean and the Taro contribute to their individual sound profiles and overall typing experience. While the POM top and bottom housings of the Honey Bean create a consistent deep and muted sound, the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings of the Taro offer a combination of sharpness and fullness in sound. Additionally, the impact of the housing material is felt differently depending on whether it is in the top or bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
While the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Jwick Taro are different, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through unique sound profiles and characteristics. The POM and polycarbonate housings each bring their own qualities to the switches, with POM offering a more muted and deeper sound, and polycarbonate providing a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, with the softer nylon of the Taro creating a fuller sound compared to the deeper sound of the POM bottom housing in the Honey Bean. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we see that the Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Taro's actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Taro is heavier at 67 grams compared to the Honey Bean's unknown force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey Bean would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Taro would be the ideal option due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is clear that they both have an identical travel distance of 3.7mm. This means that pressing down on a key with either of these switches will result in a similar feeling in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in this regard. Overall, the travel distance of the switches is the same, making them both equally suitable options for those who value a standard travel distance in their keyboard switches.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, producing softer and quieter sounds that are ideal for shared environments. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with moderate actuation force requirements, making it versatile for various settings. Both switches offer different sound profiles that cater to individual preferences, but you can expect a quieter typing experience with the Honey Bean and a more balanced sound with the Taro.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch provides an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, with minimal force required for activation, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch offers a buttery feel, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, as well as a stepped tactile sensation that provides a mild tactile feedback. While the Honey Bean focuses on light and easy typing, the Taro switch emphasizes smoothness and a more subtle tactile feedback, catering to different tactile preferences.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and Jwick Taro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet and effortless typing experience, perfect for shared environments and extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Taro switch delivers a balanced sound profile and a smooth, tactile keystroke experience, suitable for versatile typing needs. Regardless of your preference, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and customized feel for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference in terms of typing experience. If you value a light and linear action with minimal noise, making it ideal for office or shared environments, then the Honey Bean switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile experience with a snappy feel and crisp clacks, the Taro switch is the better choice. Consider the level of noise tolerance and the typing feel you prefer when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so choose based on what best suits your typing needs.