Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow

Overview

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean, a linear switch, to the Aflion Thunder Shadow, a tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Honey Bean switches provide a light and linear action with a silent operation, making them ideal for shared environments where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow switches from Aflion offer a pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, balanced with a neutral sound signature. While the Honey Bean may appeal to those seeking an easy-to-press and feathery switch, the Thunder Shadow caters to individuals looking for an invigorating typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

Aflion Thunder Shadow Tactile

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it is evident that the choice of material greatly influences the sound profile of the switches. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Thunder Shadow produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the softer nature of POM. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a preferred material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the Thunder Shadow.

On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Honey Bean and Thunder Shadow differ once again. The POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean contributes to its deep and pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow creates a fuller and rounder sound. The difference in sound profiles between these two materials can be attributed to the absorption properties of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics like POM. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the deeper sound produced by POM.

Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Aflion Thunder Shadow differ in terms of sound profile, they both play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it is clear that the Honey Bean requires a lighter touch to actuate at 42 grams, while the Thunder Shadow has a heavier actuation force that is currently unknown. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow requires more force to bottom out at 63.5 grams, as opposed to the Honey Bean, which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey Bean would be the more suitable choice, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sensation. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches provides users with the option to choose based on their individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.

Travel distance

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the Honey Bean has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Thunder Shadow. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference - the shorter travel distance of the Thunder Shadow may provide a quicker keystroke, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Honey Bean may offer a more substantial feel. Ultimately, both switches would provide similar results in terms of travel distance, with the main difference being the slight variation in length.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted experience, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to other mechanical switches. This makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is important, such as in offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between noise level and tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches offer different auditory experiences that cater to individual needs. The specific sound produced will also depend on factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switch is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The feathery feel of the Honey Bean switch further contributes to a low-impact typing experience, making it suitable for tasks that require extended periods of typing. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow tactile switch offers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This provides a snappy and reactive typing experience, creating an immersive sensation for the user.

Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet and effortless typing experience, ideal for those looking for a discreet switch with minimal noise. In contrast, the Thunder Shadow offers a balanced tactile feedback with a medium weight feel, catering to users who prefer a more immersive and responsive typing sensation. Both switches have their own strengths and can deliver satisfying results depending on the user's preferences and typing requirements. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value a silent and light typing experience, ideal for office or shared spaces, the Honey Bean may be the better choice with its muted sound and easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump and medium-weight typing feel that still maintains a neutral sound profile, the Thunder Shadow could be more suited to your preference. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it's important to choose based on what aligns best with your personal preferences and needs.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more

Aflion Thunder Shadow Tactile

$5.50

$3.91 per 10

Learn more