Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB represents a fundamental contrast in typing experience. The Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their light and linear action, which translates to a smooth, effortless keystroke that's particularly ideal for environments where noise reduction is essential. Their muted operation makes them a fantastic option for office settings or shared spaces, allowing for a satisfying yet discreet typing experience without disturbing colleagues. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches provide a tactile experience with a pronounced bump, offering a luxurious feel and a pleasing "thock" sound as they bottom out. The U4Tx is perfect for those who appreciate feedback while typing and desire a bit more acoustic character. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a silent, smooth experience over tactile feedback and sound. 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

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches offer intriguing contrasts that significantly influence their sound profiles while still resulting in a rich auditory experience. The Honey Bean features POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for producing a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards a deeper and more muted tone. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for its top and bottom housings. This specially formulated material is lauded for its softness and contributes to a similarly rich and deep sound profile, suggesting that while the materials differ, they both effectively achieve a comparable auditory result.

While both switches favor deeper sound profiles, the way they achieve these effects diverges due to their housing compositions. The Honey Bean's POM housings generate a more traditional sound experience, consistent with the well-established qualities of POM known for its durability and acoustic properties. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB's unique plastic blend offers a modern twist, enhancing the auditory experience with a potentially richer resonation due to its soft composition. Consequently, this slight variation in materials serves to enrich the overall character of the switches while maintaining a pleasurable sound outcome. Users looking for a similar result may find satisfaction in either option, though the nuances in sound may resonate differently with each individual.

Moreover, the impact of housing material on switch feel and sound is essential to consider as well. With the Honey Bean, the POM bottom housing contributes significantly to the feel and sound upon bottoming out, while the top housing influences the sound on release. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's blend retains similar dynamics, with its softer boba plastic enhancing the richness of both the bottom-out feel and the release sound. Therefore, while the materials themselves differ, the overarching characteristics remain consistent, and users can expect a satisfying auditory experience whether choosing the Honey Bean or the U4Tx RGB switches. This interplay between housing compositions ensures that both options cater to those seeking a distinctive yet harmonious typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we notice significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Honey Bean has a specified actuation force of 42 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unavailable. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch does not provide an actuation force measurement, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer feel when typing. Since the actuation force of the Honey Bean is known and the U4Tx's is not, it is difficult to directly compare them on that front; however, the U4Tx is certainly heavier in terms of bottom out force. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch experience, the Jerrzi Honey Bean is the preferable choice, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB caters more to those seeking a sturdier feel.

Travel distance

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, you will experience a marginally deeper press with the Honey Bean compared to the U4Tx. In line with contemporary preferences, the shorter travel distance of the U4Tx may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Honey Bean offers a more pronounced depth, which some users may find more satisfying when typing. For those who appreciate a more substantial key feel, the Honey Bean would be the better choice, whereas the U4Tx may cater to those who favor a snappier experience. Overall, the distinctions are small but significant depending on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch, its operation stands out for its muted quality, producing a softer chatter that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them an ideal choice for office environments or shared spaces where loud keystrokes could be disruptive. In comparison, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch offers a more complex auditory experience characterized by a deep "thock" when bottoming out, complemented by the quiet stealth at the top of the keystroke. This results in a refined sound profile that combines both subtlety and richness, providing a luxurious tactile feedback experience.

In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switches are designed for easy pressing, requiring minimal force to activate, which translates into a gentle and comfortable typing experience. This responsiveness minimizes finger fatigue, encouraging longer sessions at the keyboard without discomfort. Coupled with their feathery actuation, they deliver an exceptionally light touch that is perfect for extended typing, gaming, or extensive work projects. Conversely, the specific feel characteristics of the U4Tx RGB switches have not been detailed, leaving some aspects of their tactile sensation unknown. However, given the switch's reputation for a sharp tactile bump, one can expect a pronounced feedback that may cater to users who favor a more tactile engaging experience.

In conclusion, while the Honey Bean linear switch excels in providing a silent and lightweight typing experience, making it suitable for discreet use, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch presents a balance of tactile feedback with a rich sound profile, appealing to those who appreciate both auditory and tactile enjoyment. Ultimately, both switches cater to different aspects of user preference: the Honey Bean for those prioritizing quiet operation and ease of use, and the U4Tx RGB for individuals seeking a more pronounced tactile experience without being overly loud. Depending on your typing needs and environment, both switches can deliver enjoyable results, albeit through different mechanisms and qualities.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a lightweight, easy-to-press switch for a quieter workspace, the Honey Bean is an excellent choice. Its muted and feathery characteristics make it ideal for long typing sessions that demand minimal noise and maximum comfort, particularly in office settings or shared environments where sound can be a distraction. Conversely, if you’re looking for a more tactile and engaging experience, the U4Tx RGB provides a satisfying 'thock' sound profile with a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams. This switch offers a distinct tactile bump that deepens your tactile feedback, making it perfect for users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, whether you’re gaming or typing. In essence, your choice should align with your typing style, desired sound profile, and whether comfort or tactile feedback is your priority.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more