Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences while remaining in the linear switch category. The Honey Bean stands out for its light and feathery feel, delivering a silent typing experience that makes it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. Its muted operation ensures a discreet yet satisfying performance, perfect for those who value a serene working atmosphere. On the other hand, the WS Pearl captivates users with its innovative ball-bearing design that dramatically reduces friction, resulting in an exceptionally smooth keystroke that many find irresistible. While the WS Pearl produces a medium-high pitched sound signature, it appeals to those who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, catering to different typing experiences and preferences. 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
58g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches showcase a fascinating interplay in tactile and auditory experiences. Both switches offer a unique sound profile, yet their materials differ significantly. The Honey Bean utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is renowned for its durable characteristics and contributes to a sound profile that leans towards the deeper end, producing a muted effect that can be appealing to users who prefer a less pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the WS Pearl employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, a classic choice that lends a distinctive tactile experience. Nylon’s softer property allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that feels rounder when typing.
Although the materials differ, both the Honey Bean and WS Pearl share the intention of providing a satisfying auditory response. The POM housings of the Honey Bean may produce a more contained and refined sound, while the nylon in the WS Pearl encourages a more resonant experience. Importantly, the impact of the housing material on each switch's sound character is evident upon activation. For the Honey Bean, the POM bottom housing ensures that the deeper, more muted sound is prominent as you bottom out the key, accentuating its desirable qualities. Conversely, the WS Pearl's nylon bottom housing also supports a similarly deep sound profile, allowing for a perceptible yet full auditory feedback when pressed.
In practical terms, even with their differences, both switches can yield comparable results in terms of user experience. Because the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches serve to create a fulfilling tactile sensation when pressed. The POM and nylon materials might produce distinct sound signatures upon impact and release, yet they both deliver a rich auditory experience. This means that users with a preference for the muted, refined quality of POM in the Honey Bean may still find satisfaction in the rounded sound produced by the nylon in the WS Pearl, showcasing how diverse materials can still aim to achieve a harmonious typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Honey Bean features a heavier actuation force of 42 grams, while the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This difference suggests that the WS Pearl may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the WS Pearl also provides a measurable 58 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Honey Bean is unknown. This means that while both keys may offer a distinct tactile experience, the Honey Bean will likely require more force to bottom out if it has a force at all, leading to a potentially heavier feel overall. Consequently, users seeking a lighter option should gravitate toward the WS Pearl, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may appreciate the Honey Bean, particularly in terms of actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Honey Bean has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the WS Pearl features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel for quick gaming sessions, the WS Pearl may be the better choice due to its shorter travel, which could facilitate faster key presses. On the other hand, the Honey Bean, with its longer distance, might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more pronounced key feel and a heartier depth in their typing experience. Thus, the Honey Bean offers a more cushioned activation point, while the WS Pearl provides a snappier, more immediate response.
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 Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by its muted operations, ensuring a softer and quieter typing experience compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This makes the Honey Bean ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared spaces, allowing users to type discreetly without disturbing those around them. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch carries a medium-high pitched sound signature, which may be more pronounced than that of the Honey Bean. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound profile can be influenced by various factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Honey Bean switches provide an easy-to-press and feathery action, characterized by a gentle resistance that requires minimal force to activate. This low actuation force enhances comfort during extended typing sessions, making them perfect for users who spend long hours at their keyboards, whether for work or gaming. The reduced strain on fingers translates to less fatigue, contributing to a pleasurable typing experience. However, the feel of the WS Pearl switches, which feature ball-bearings to minimize friction, is unknown based on the information provided. Their unique construction likely results in a distinct typing sensation, but the exact characteristics remain unspecified.
In conclusion, both the Jerrzi Honey Bean and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches cater to specific preferences, with the Honey Bean standing out for its silent operation and featherlight feel, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments and comfortable typing sessions. While the sound of the WS Pearl is noted to have a more pronounced quality, its unique ball-bearing design promises a smooth typing experience, though more detail would provide a complete understanding of its feel. Ultimately, each switch presents a compelling option, and your choice will hinge on the importance of sound versus feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you find yourself in a shared workspace or an environment where noise control is essential, the Honey Bean switches would be your best option. Their muted sound and feathery, easy-to-press feel create a quiet and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue even during long sessions. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a uniquely smooth keystroke with that delightful sensation of using ball-bearings across its mechanism, then the WS Pearl is the one for you. With a medium actuation force of 58 grams, these switches provide a more robust feel and a distinct sound signature, perfect for situations where you might want feedback as you type or game. Ultimately, consider your typing style, environment, and what you prioritize in a switch to make the most informed choice.
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