Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Type A mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both are linear switches, offering a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump of a clicky switch. The Honey Bean stands out for its light and quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for office or shared environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" series is known for its medium-weight feel and deep sound signature, providing a different typing experience for those who prefer a bit more feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
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
Both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Type A feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Honey Bean utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deep and muted sound. On the other hand, the Type A uses nylon for both housings, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
While the POM and nylon top housings of the Honey Bean and Type A switches, respectively, contribute to the sound when a key is released, the bottom housings play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean emphasizes a deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Type A produces a fuller sound. These variations in housing materials allow for a diverse typing experience, catering to different preferences and tastes.
Overall, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Type A ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The POM housing of the Honey Bean offers a more muted and deep sound, while the nylon housing of the Type A provides a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches deliver a unique typing experience thanks to their distinct housing materials, showcasing the importance of material selection in creating a desirable keyboard switch.
Weight
In comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Type A's 50 grams, making it easier to type for longer periods without causing fatigue. However, the Type A has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a unique balance between actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences. Overall, the Honey Bean would be favored by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Type A would be suitable for individuals looking for a slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, it is clear that the Honey Bean has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm compared to the Type A's 4 mm. The Honey Bean's shorter travel distance may be more appealing to gamers who value fast response times, while the Type A's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Type A being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
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 typing experience, perfect for those looking to keep noise levels to a minimum in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch provides a more subdued sound profile with a deeper tone, making it a good compromise for those seeking a medium-weight switch. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Honey Bean linear switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for key activation. This light actuation force leads to a feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, information about the feel of the Gateron Type A linear switch is not provided, so it is difficult to compare directly in this aspect. However, considering the similarities in their linear design, users can expect a similarly smooth keystroke and consistent feel from both switches.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet typing experience with easy key actuation, while the Type A strikes a balance between weight and sound depth. Ultimately, both switches are likely to provide a pleasant typing experience, with the choice between them coming down to personal preference for noise level and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you prioritize a silent and light typing experience, especially in shared spaces like an office, the Honey Bean switch would be ideal for you. Its easy-to-press and feathery feel, coupled with a muted sound, offers a subtle yet satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a somewhat deeper sound profile, the Gateron Type A would be a better fit. Its neutral feel and subdued sound make it a versatile option for various users and settings. Ultimately, your choice between the Honey Bean and Type A switch should be based on your preference for typing feel, sound, and the specific usage scenario you have in mind.
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