Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Xinhai, both linear switches. The Honey Bean switches are beloved for their light and linear action, making typing a smooth and effortless experience, all while remaining discreetly silent. Perfect for office settings or shared environments where noise is a concern, the Honey Bean switch offers a feathery touch that is both easy to press and muted in sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out for its unique construction, featuring a PA12 top housing for a softer acoustics profile and a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Known for its bouncy and clacky feel, the Xinhai switch provides a creamy typing experience that exudes sophistication and precision. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Xinhai differ significantly in terms of sound profile and material composition. The Honey Bean's POM top housing creates a deeper, more muted sound profile, while the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The POM material of the Honey Bean offers a unique sound experience, while the polycarbonate material of the Xinhai is known for its clarity and resonance. In terms of aesthetics, the Xinhai's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Honey Bean uses POM material, similar to its top housing, resulting in a consistent deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. While the POM material of the Honey Bean offers a unique sound experience, the nylon material of the Xinhai provides a classic typing sound that is both deep and full.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Xinhai lead to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the top housing of the Honey Bean and Xinhai offer contrasting sound characteristics, the bottom housing materials also contribute significantly to the overall typing sound and feel of the switches. Understanding how each material affects sound production and tactile feedback can help users choose a switch that best suits their preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we can see some clear differences. The actuation force of the Honey Bean is 42 grams, while the Xinhai is lighter at 37 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Xinhai is 45 grams, while the bottom out force of the Honey Bean is unknown. This means that while the Xinhai is lighter to activate, it requires more force to fully press down compared to the Honey Bean. This difference in bottom out force may appeal to different types of users, with some preferring a lighter touch and others preferring a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Xinhai is the lighter option between the two. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch is 3.7 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Xinhai may appeal to those looking for a quick and responsive keystroke, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Honey Bean may offer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch offers a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for shared environments or those looking for a less disruptive typing sound. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, delivering a sharp and percussive noise that may appeal to users seeking a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer contrasting sound profiles, with the Honey Bean focusing on a quiet operation and the Xinhai providing a more pronounced and crisp sound when actuated.
When it comes to feel, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch boasts an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, requiring minimal force to activate the keys and promoting a smooth and gentle typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a bouncy and creamy typing sensation, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth, buttery feel that enhances the overall typing experience. The Honey Bean and Xinhai switches offer distinct tactile responses, with the former emphasizing light actuation and low-impact typing, while the latter focuses on a lively rebound and silky keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch each bring unique subjective qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Honey Bean excels in providing a muted sound profile and an easy-to-press, feathery typing feel, catering to users looking for a quiet and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai delivers a clacky sound and a bouncy, creamy typing sensation, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback and a smooth, springy keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer distinct characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a silent typing experience for an office or shared space, the Honey Bean would be the ideal choice with its light and linear action. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique acoustics profile and a precise performance with a touch of sophistication, the Xinhai switch with its distinctive PA12 top housing and POM stem would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and the specific typing experience you desire. Consider these factors carefully to ensure that you select the switch that best meets your needs and enhances your overall typing experience.
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