Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean, a linear switch, and the Gazzew U4Tx, a tactile switch, stand out for their unique characteristics. The Honey Bean switches offer a smooth and light action with a silent operation, making them ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is essential. On the other hand, the U4Tx switches provide a blend of a deep, resonant "thock" and a whisper-quiet touch, resulting in a satisfying tactile bump with a refined sound profile. While the Honey Bean is praised for its easy-to-press and feathery feel, the U4Tx stands out for its bassy and sharp tactile feedback. Both switches have 'muted' qualities, making them suitable for those looking for a quieter 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
Both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gazzew U4Tx utilize unique housing materials to enhance the sound profile of the switches. The Honey Bean features POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and deep sound that is relatively muted. On the other hand, the U4Tx uses a proprietary Gazzew blend for both the top and bottom housings, known as "boba plastic," which also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their housing materials, they achieve it in slightly different ways.
One key difference between the housing materials of the Honey Bean and U4Tx is the specific material used. The Honey Bean uses POM, a type of plastic known for its durability and unique sound properties, while the U4Tx uses a proprietary Gazzew blend. Despite this distinction, both switches aim to produce a deep and pleasing sound profile, with the Honey Bean leaning towards a more muted tone. This difference in sound profile could potentially affect the typing experience for users who have a preference for either a softer or crisper sound.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it is evident that both the Honey Bean and U4Tx focus on optimizing sound quality. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. While the specific properties of POM and the Gazzew blend may vary, the overall goal of enhancing the typing experience through unique and pleasing sound profiles remains consistent across both switches. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the switch's sound profile, users can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences for typists. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the U4Tx has a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown, the Honey Bean's actuation force is lighter in comparison. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is slightly longer at 3.7mm compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.6mm. While the difference between the two may seem minimal, it can impact the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the U4Tx may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Honey Bean may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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 for a quieter option. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a unique and bassy sound profile that offers a deeper and more resonant typing experience. Both switches have muted qualities, ensuring that your typing sessions are not disruptive to those around you. However, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound, the U4Tx switch may be more appealing to you.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a light and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a sharp tactile bump that delivers intense feedback with each keypress. If you prefer a switch with a light actuation force and minimal exertion, the Honey Bean switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and feedback during typing, the U4Tx switch may be more suitable.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you prioritize a silent typing experience with light actuation and minimal resistance, the Honey Bean switch will meet your needs. Alternatively, if you seek a deep and bassy sound with a sharp tactile bump for a more pronounced typing experience, the U4Tx switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a noiseless typing experience, opt for the Honey Bean switches with their silent operation and light linear action, perfect for office or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and acoustically pleasing typing experience, the U4Tx switches offer a satisfying tactile bump and a refined sound profile that marries deep, resonant thocks with whisper-quiet keypresses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to your preference for sound, feel, and typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
