Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Twilight are two compelling options for enthusiasts who prefer linear switches. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its light and feathery feel, offering a muted and discreet typing experience ideal for office settings and shared environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts a longer 3.85mm travel distance, creating a bouncy feel that still manages to deliver a quieter operation, while retaining the characteristic clacky sensation HMX switches are known for. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the Honey Bean an excellent choice for users seeking a soft, silent option, whereas the Twilight serves those who appreciate a bit more feedback and travel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Twilight switches exhibit both differences and similarities that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Honey Bean features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, known for producing a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards a deeper, more muted character. This characteristic is attributed to the inherent properties of POM, which provide a certain density and rigidity. Conversely, the HMX Twilight utilizes nylon for its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for its softer texture. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder sound profile that is fuller compared to the POM’s more muted tone.
When examining the sound profiles in greater detail, the similarities between the two switches become apparent. Both the Honey Bean and Twilight produce deep, rich sound experiences, though their methods and nuances differ. While the Honey Bean achieves its unique sound through the POM housings, which can deliver a pleasantly smooth typing experience, the Twilight’s nylon composition offers a roundness and fullness that results from its softer nature. Although the overall auditory experience differs, users can expect a satisfying acoustic feedback from both switches, demonstrating that while the materials diverge, they converge on delivering rich sound qualities.
Additionally, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the feel and acoustics of each switch. In both switches, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, regardless of whether it’s POM or nylon. Meanwhile, the top housing material’s contribution becomes more pronounced when releasing the key. Therefore, while the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Twilight feature distinct housing materials, both designs ultimately achieve compelling auditory results through their carefully considered construction and the inherent characteristics of each material used.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same actuation force of 42 grams, providing a consistent trigger feel when typing or gaming. This similarity means users can expect comparable responsiveness when engaging with each switch. However, the bottom out forces diverge significantly; the Twilight switch features a bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates a firmer resistance when pressing the key all the way down, while the bottom out force for the Honey Bean switch is unknown. Because the Twilight has this defined bottom out force and the Honey Bean does not, it can be suggested that the Honey Bean might feel lighter overall, potentially offering a more effortless typing experience, which suits extended use. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Twilight promotes a more substantial tactile feeling, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push during use. Thus, if one prioritizes a lighter feel for longer typing sessions, the Honey Bean may be more suitable, while those who favor a robust keystroke may lean towards the Twilight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Honey Bean features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Twilight has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that the Honey Bean is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance provides a more substantial depth that some users may find more satisfying. For those who like a balance between responsiveness and depth, the difference in travel distance might influence their choice, as the Honey Bean allows for quicker actuation while the Twilight offers a more pronounced key press 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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 switch is designed to operate quietly, producing a muted sound profile that significantly reduces the noise typically generated by mechanical keyboards. This makes them an excellent choice for environments where discretion is key, such as offices or shared workspaces. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which results in a slightly quieter sound compared to traditional clacky switches, while still retaining some of the signature characteristics typical of HMX switches. Although the Honey Bean is notably silent, the Twilight's sound quality remains relatively quiet as well, suggesting that both switches cater well to users seeking a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch excels with its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics, allowing for minimal exertion during key presses. This light actuation force contributes to a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making it ideal for extended sessions at the keyboard without the burden of finger fatigue. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch is noted for its bouncy feel, providing a lively spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience. While both switches deliver enjoyable tactile sensations, they cater to different preferences; the Honey Bean focuses on ease and comfort, whereas the Twilight offers a more dynamic feel with a noticeable rebound.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Twilight linear switches present distinct qualities that appeal to various user needs. While the Honey Bean provides a muted sound profile and an impressively light feel for a low-impact typing experience, the Twilight combines a slightly quieter sound with a bouncy feedback sensation. Users who prioritize a silent operation with gentle resistance may prefer the Honey Bean, whereas those seeking a livelier tactile response may gravitate toward the Twilight. Regardless of which switch you choose, both options can bring enjoyable and effective performance to your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself in a shared or office environment where noise control is essential, the Honey Bean switch will be your best bet with its feathery feel and muted sound profile. Its effortless actuation and gentle resistance make it perfect for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and providing a pleasing, quiet experience. On the other hand, if you seek a more engaging typing experience and appreciate a bit of bounce in your switches, the Twilight is an excellent option. With a slightly firmer bottom-out force and an extended travel distance, it delivers a livelier sensation that can enhance your gaming or typing experience. In the end, consider what aspects matter most to you—noise level and ease of use with the Honey Bean, versus a bouncier feel and more pronounced feedback with the Twilight—to find the switch that best matches your style.
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