Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with distinct options catered to different preferences. The Honey Bean is a linear switch, offering a light and smooth typing experience with silent operation, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro is a tactile switch with medium tactility and a light touch, providing a balanced typing experience suitable for various typing preferences. These switches can be categorized as easy-to-press and feathery for the Honey Bean, and stepped with a neutral sound signature for the Violet Gold Pro. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Honey Bean utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro uses polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The difference in housing materials gives each switch a distinct auditory experience, with the POM housing of the Honey Bean offering a softer sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate housing of the Violet Gold Pro.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of these switches also play a role. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Violet Gold Pro allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual element to the switch. Conversely, the opaque POM housing of the Honey Bean may not offer the same lighting effects but still provides a unique look and feel. While both switches prioritize sound quality, the choice of housing material also impacts the overall appearance and user experience of each switch.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro prioritize creating a pleasing sound profile for users. Whether using POM or nylon for the bottom housing, both switches aim to offer a deeper and fuller sound. However, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Violet Gold Pro may absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean. Ultimately, the choice of housing material in each switch contributes to the overall typing experience, making them suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts looking for quality sound and performance.
Weight
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches, however, have an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Honey Bean switch makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro switch may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In terms of bottom out force, since it is unknown for both switches, it is difficult to compare them in this regard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, whether you choose the Honey Bean or the Violet Gold Pro will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 experience, producing a softer and quieter sound suitable for office or shared environments where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it versatile for various settings. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Honey Bean being quieter and the Violet Gold Pro being more versatile in different environments.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery qualities, providing a light and effortless typing experience ideal for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a stepped feel, providing a mild tactility that allows for a more nuanced typing experience with distinct stages of key activation. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Honey Bean focusing on lightness and the Violet Gold Pro offering a more structured tactile response.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Honey Bean excels in providing a quiet and light typing experience, the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced tactile feel with a moderate sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound level and typing feel, but rest assured that both switches provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to different needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a discreet and silent typing experience, especially in an office or shared setting, the Honey Bean switches would be an excellent choice with their light and linear action. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced tactile experience with a moderate sound profile for versatile usage, the Violet Gold Pro switches offer a "Goldilocks" option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value silence and lightness (Honey Bean) or balanced tactility and versatility (Violet Gold Pro) in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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