Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as two exceptional linear options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Honey Bean switches are renowned for their light and feathery keystroke, offering a muted and silent operation that makes them ideal for office settings or shared spaces where discretion is paramount. This switch excels in delivering a satisfying yet unobtrusive typing experience, perfect for users who prioritize quietness alongside performance. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches provide a more robust feel with their Ly stems, resulting in a super smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile. This switch is well-suited for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a more pronounced auditory response while typing. While both switches offer unique advantages—one focusing on silence and ease of use, and the other on a rich, smooth experience—it's essential to 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

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize different top housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Honey Bean features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a sound that is on the deeper and more muted side. This creates a warm and rich auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer a softer sound when typing. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonance, making each keystroke feel more pronounced and clear, thus providing a very different auditory feedback.

When it comes to their bottom housing materials, the differences continue to define the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Honey Bean utilizes a POM bottom housing, which offers a sound that complements its top housing by maintaining a consistent, muted tone. Consequently, this creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. Additionally, the Tomcat (Heavy) opts for a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that further deepens the sound profile. Nylon's softer structure absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound quality. These material variances contribute to a unique typing experience for users, with the Honey Bean leaning towards a warm and muted sound, while the Tomcat (Heavy) stands out with sharper and more resonant auditory feedback.

Although the sound profiles of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) differ due to their choice of materials, it's important to recognize how the combination of top and bottom housings influences the overall typing experience. With distinct attributes—POM on top and bottom for the Honey Bean, and a polycarbonate top paired with nylon at the bottom for the Tomcat (Heavy)—the two switches exhibit contrasting characteristics. The effect of each material on key presses and releases is profound; while the top housing significantly affects the sound when the key is released, the bottom housing influences the impact of the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, even though both switches aim to provide optimal performance and auditory enjoyment, the way they achieve this differs based on their specific material choices.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, allowing for less strain during extended use. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience. However, the Honey Bean's bottom out force is unavailable, rendering a direct comparison impossible; its bottom-out experience remains unknown. The Tomcat (Heavy), on the other hand, has a defined bottom out force of 64 grams, reinforcing its medium-heavy feel. Overall, the Honey Bean is the lighter switch, ideal for those prioritizing comfort over the tactile resistance preferred by users of the heavier Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Honey Bean measures 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Honey Bean offers a greater depth in its keystroke, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, providing a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who prioritize quicker response times, making it especially suitable for gamers who favor swift actuation. Overall, while both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, the Honey Bean is the longer option, which could provide a more robust sensation when typing, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) may be preferable for those looking for a more rapid keystroke activation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches are notably muted, offering a softer and quieter typing experience. This makes them ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as in offices or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches feature a more resonant sound profile, which may produce a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. While the Honey Bean allows for discreet use without disturbing others, the Tomcat (Heavy) likely offers a richer sound experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile auditory response from their switches. It's important to remember, however, that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard build and used keycaps, so experimentation may yield different results with each switch type.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean is characterized by its easy-to-press action, which requires minimal force to activate. This feature provides an effortlessly comfortable typing experience, perfect for lengthy sessions, whether for work or gaming. Additionally, the "feathery" quality of the Honey Bean further enhances this light feel, reducing strain on the fingers and minimizing fatigue. In contrast, there is currently no specific information available regarding the feel of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches. Without further details, it's difficult to make a direct comparison; however, those who prefer a lighter switch may lean toward the Honey Bean for its user-friendly design.

Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switches excel in delivering a muted, gentle auditory feedback and a remarkably light and responsive typing feel. They are particularly suitable for environments where noise control is necessary, and they promote comfort even during extended use. Although the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches present a contrasting resonant sound profile which might appeal to those who appreciate more pronounced auditory feedback, the lack of detailed information regarding their feel makes it hard to conclusively assess their performance in comparison to the Honey Bean. Thus, for newcomers, if the priority is a quiet environment and effortless typing experience, the Honey Bean is a strong contender; yet, it may be worthwhile to explore the Tomcat switches if tactile feedback and sound resonance are of particular interest.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, consider your specific needs and typing preferences. If you find yourself in a shared workspace or an environment where noise can be an issue, the Honey Bean switches are an excellent choice due to their muted sound profile and feathery, easy-to-press feel. They provide a smooth and silent experience that allows you to type comfortably for extended periods without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and pronounced typing experience and prefer a firmer resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch may be more suitable. With a bottom-out force of 64 grams, it offers a satisfying, heavier key press that can enhance your typing feedback, making it ideal for individuals who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quiet, effortless typing experience or a slightly more pronounced and tactile one.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more