Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Vintage Citrus

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Vintage Citrus is compelling, especially for those who appreciate linear switches. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its delightful, feathery action coupled with a silent operation, making it an excellent fit for office environments or shared spaces where noise minimization is essential. With attributes like easy pressing and a muted response, the Honey Bean offers a discreet yet enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an incredibly low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire keystrokes. This switch also boasts a bright, clacky sound profile, providing a tactile auditory feedback that many gamers find exhilarating. While both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different environments and user preferences, it's crucial to look beyond these general traits. Let's dive in a bit deeper to help you determine which switch might be the best fit for your needs.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Vintage Citrus switches both utilize materials that contribute to a deep and muted sound profile; however, they incorporate different materials for their housing constructions. The Honey Bean features POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a unique sound that is pleasing and relatively muted. This cohesive use of POM means that the characteristics of the top and bottom housings are harmoniously blended, resulting in a consistent auditory experience both when pressing down and releasing the key.

Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switches are built with nylon for both their top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its classic qualities that generate a deeper and fuller sound profile, which might be ascribed to its relatively softer nature compared to harder plastics like POM. The nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience. While both switches provide a deeper sound, the key distinction lies in the material properties; POM's harder composition offers a more unique sound signature, whereas nylon generates a sound that may be perceived as softer and rounder.

Despite these differences in material, the switches from both brands manage to achieve similar results in terms of sound profile, particularly with their emphasis on a deeper tone. For those who appreciate a muted sound, both the POM and nylon constructions can deliver satisfying user experiences, although through slightly different mechanisms. The interaction of key presses with each housing material will influence the feel and sound slightly differently; however, the overall intention of creating a lush auditory backdrop remains consistent across both models. Whether utilizing POM or nylon, users can expect a distinct auditory signature characterized by depth and a pleasant quality when typing.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, although the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unknown. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended usage such as work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel during typing. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Vintage Citrus is 53 grams, categorized as medium-light, which indicates a more pronounced feedback when the key is fully pressed down. Without the bottom out force for the Honey Bean, it's challenging to draw a direct comparison, but it can be inferred that users favoring a lighter switch may lean towards the Honey Bean for its lower actuation force, while those preferring a firmer typing experience might opt for the Vintage Citrus. Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, while the HMX Vintage Citrus presents a more robust alternative.

Travel distance

The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Honey Bean the longer option, offering a more substantial press that some users may find preferable for a heartier feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter travel distance, can provide a more responsive experience, which is beneficial for gamers seeking quicker key activation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference: those leaning towards a deeper, more tactile response might favor the Honey Bean, whereas those who prioritize speed and efficiency might opt for the Vintage Citrus.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean switch stands out with its muted operation, producing a softer and quieter sound that is ideal for shared environments like offices where reducing noise is essential. This feature allows users to type without drawing attention or disrupting others around them. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a bright, clacky sound profile, which can be satisfying for gamers who enjoy auditory feedback from their keystrokes. It is important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard design and keycaps, meaning users may achieve varying results regardless of the switch type.

In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch excels with its easy-to-press and feathery characteristics, making it a joy to type on. The gentle resistance and light actuation force enable users to type comfortably with minimal effort, reducing finger fatigue, which is especially beneficial during extended sessions of typing or gaming. On the other hand, while the feel of the Vintage Citrus switch in terms of touch response is not described, its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm suggests a design intended for quick, rapid-fire inputs, potentially providing a smooth push feel for gamers who require immediate responsiveness.

Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Honey Bean is perfect for users needing a silent switch with a feathery feel, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers seeking a clacky sound and a fast actuation. Given their distinctive qualities, users will find that their choice will largely depend on whether they prioritize sound level, typing comfort, or rapid input capabilities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and typing preferences. If you find yourself in a shared or quiet environment where minimizing noise is essential, the Honey Bean would be your ideal option. Its muted sound profile, light and easy-to-press feel, and smooth operation create a discreet yet satisfying experience perfect for extended use in offices or libraries. Conversely, if you are a gamer seeking responsiveness and speed, the Vintage Citrus is the way to go. With its low actuation force and rapid 1mm activation, it caters to fast-paced gaming scenarios, allowing for quick and nimble key presses while producing a bright sound profile that adds character to your setup. By considering your environment and how you intend to use your keyboard, you can make a well-informed choice that enhances your typing or gaming experience.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more

HMX Vintage Citrus Linear

$3.49

$2.79 per 10

Learn more