Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that aligns with your typing preferences, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Gateron Weightlessness stand out as compelling options, each catering to different needs. The Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their light and linear action, providing a smooth and silent typing experience ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise is a concern. They are designed for users who appreciate a feathery touch and muted keystrokes, making them perfect for prolonged typing sessions without distracting others. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle yet engaging tactile feedback, blending a satisfying bump with an appropriately balanced sound profile. This tactile element can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more dynamic feel, appealing to gamers and typists who enjoy a lively interaction with each keystroke. While both switches have their unique advantages, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the silent fluidity of the Honey Bean or the tactile responsiveness of the Weightlessness. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and Gateron Weightlessness both utilize different materials for their switch housings, which significantly affects the sound profiles they produce while typing. The Honey Bean features POM (Polyoxymethylene) on both its top and bottom housings. This material is known for creating a sound that is not only unique but also pleasing to the ear, characterized by a deeper and more muted tone. In turn, this offers a smooth and consistent keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Weightlessness opts for nylon in its top and bottom housing. Nylon brings about a classical switch feel, producing a sound profile that is also deep but described as fuller and rounder due to its softer nature. This means that while both switches create a muted sound, the underlying materials influence the warmth and characteristics of that sound.
When comparing the bottom housings, the Jerrzi Honey Bean’s POM and the Gateron Weightlessness’s nylon share an intrinsic quality of absorbing sound. The Buckling of the POM and the elasticity of nylon lead to similar sound profiles that emphasize a deeper tone. This results in both switches creating a satisfying bottom-out experience. However, it's worth noting that POM—being a harder plastic—may yield a slightly crisper impact sound compared to the softer nylon, which tends to resonate a bit more upon bottoming out. Therefore, while typing on either switch, users can expect to experience satisfying feedback, though they may perceive slight differences in the physical sensations and acoustic feedback as they type.
Moreover, the top housing influences the sound when releasing keys. The Honey Bean’s POM top contributes to a smoother return sound, while the Weightlessness’s nylon absorbs more sound due to its softness. This could lead to a quieter release phase for the Weightlessness as it dampens the higher frequencies more effectively than the crisper POM top. Therefore, even though both switches produce a predominantly deeper and muted sound, the subtle variances in the material properties create distinct auditory and tactile experiences. Ultimately, users can achieve similar results in terms of depth and mutedness, but the nuances in sound profile and key feel will provide an enriching variety between the two.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the actuation forces differ significantly. The Honey Bean requires an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches, while the Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference suggests that the Honey Bean may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or extended gaming, as it could reduce finger fatigue. Both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, meaning we cannot compare this aspect directly. However, if both bottom out forces were similar once obtained, one could expect a comparable overall resistance felt during typing or gaming after reaching the bottom of the keypress. Overall, the distinct actuation forces highlight a clear preference based on user sensitivities towards weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it becomes evident that they serve different preferences among users. The Honey Bean boasts a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Honey Bean offers a deeper keystroke, which might appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile response when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who prioritize quick responsiveness, making it suitable for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Consequently, for those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their switches, the Honey Bean is the better choice, whereas the Weightlessness is ideal for anyone looking for a more rapid feel.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 stands out for its muted profile, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch boasts a balanced sound profile, which, while not explicitly described as muted, typically offers a more subdued auditory experience compared to louder, clacky switches. However, it is important to note that the ultimate sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard build, keycaps, and even typing style, so users may find that both options serve well in quieter settings.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switches excel with their easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force for activation, which can significantly reduce finger strain during long typing sessions. This light actuation force makes the Honey Bean switches not only responsive but also quite comfortable for extended usage, whether for gaming or office work. They also feature a feathery aspect, further enhancing the light and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, details regarding the feel of the Gateron Weightlessness switches are not provided, leaving an unknown factor in how they compare in terms of tactile response and overall typing comfort.
In summary, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches offer a distinct advantage in quietness and effortless feel, making them particularly suitable for those environments where sound minimalism and finger fatigue reduction are key concerns. The Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches provide a balanced auditory experience but lack specific details about their tactile characteristics. For users focused on maintaining a quieter workspace with a light touch, the Honey Bean switches would be the preferred choice, whereas the Weightlessness could serve well in scenarios where a subtle tactile feedback is desired. Ultimately, both switches cater to unique preferences, ensuring that different typing experiences can be achieved based on individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself in a noise-sensitive environment, such as an office or shared workspace, the Honey Bean switch, with its muted, light, and feathery action, is the ideal option. It provides a seamless and quiet typing experience that minimizes distractions, making it perfect for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more dynamic tactile feedback without the excessive sound of clacking, the Weightlessness switch will serve you well. Its subtle tactile characteristics offer a balance that enhances your typing experience, making it suitable for everyday use while still allowing for an engaging feel. Ultimately, whether you prioritize silence and ease or a balanced tactile sensation will guide your decision, ensuring that your switch choice aligns with your typing style and environment.
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