Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Aflion Windy Shadow. The Honey Bean switch is known for its light and linear action, making it ideal for quiet environments such as offices where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow by Aflion offers a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, providing a satisfying typing experience at a comfortable 55g bottom-out. While the Honey Bean switch is characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', and 'Muted', the Windy Shadow is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their unique strengths and are suitable for different preferences and environments. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Aflion Windy Shadow switches showcase distinct characteristics that cater to different sound preferences. The POM top housing of the Honey Bean offers a deeper and relatively muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Windy Shadow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound with increased clarity and resonance due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. While both materials offer pleasing sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound depth and pitch.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the Honey Bean and Windy Shadow switches contribute to their overall sound profiles. The POM bottom housing of the Honey Bean mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, offering a deeper and more muted sound profile. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow adds to its fuller and rounder sound profile, as nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller yet satisfying typing experience. These contrasting bottom housing materials further differentiate the sound profiles of the two switches.
In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, the characteristics of each material are felt differently during typing. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings enhances the overall typing experience, allowing users to appreciate the unique sound profiles offered by each housing material in switches like the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Aflion Windy Shadow.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, some distinct differences emerge. The Honey Bean has a light actuation force of 42 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow's actuation force is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. This contrast highlights the choice between a lighter or heavier typing experience based on individual preferences. While the actuation forces differ, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. Those who prefer a slightly more pronounced key press may find the Honey Bean switch with the longer travel distance more satisfying, while those who value a quicker rebound may opt for the Windy Shadow switch. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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, ideal for minimizing noise in shared environments. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing scenarios. Both switches offer different acoustic qualities, so your choice will ultimately depend on your preference for sound.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switch is known for its easy-to-press and feathery nature, providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience. In comparison, the Aflion Windy Shadow switch offers a mild typing experience with gentle resistance, appealing to a wider range of users with its approachable feel. While both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the slight differences in actuation force and feedback may influence your decision based on personal typing preferences.
Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches each have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter typing experience with a lighter touch, the Honey Bean switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a neutral sound profile with a comfortable actuation force, the Windy Shadow switch could be the better option. Consider your typing environment and personal preferences when choosing between these two excellent linear switches to enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for the office or shared spaces, the Honey Bean switches with their light, linear action and muted sound profile are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce and medium-light bottom-out force, the Windy Shadow switches from Aflion may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force requirements. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing needs, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing environment.
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