Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both offer unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its light touch and silent linear action, making it ideal for office settings or shared environments where minimizing noise is essential. Characterized as 'Easy-to-press,' 'Feathery,' and 'Muted,' these switches provide a discreet yet satisfying typing experience that can enhance productivity without disturbing your colleagues. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) stands out with its notably heavier action, crafted with a unique PA12 top housing that offers a softer acoustic profile, complemented by a POM stem for a sharp, higher-pitched resonance. Designed for those who enjoy a more substantial key feel, this switch merges sophisticated aesthetics with precise performance. While both switches cater to linear preferences, they cater to distinctly different typing experiences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), one can observe both similarities and differences rooted in the type of materials used. The Honey Bean employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, while the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes nylon for each housing. Although both materials are distinct, they share some acoustic properties that contribute to a deeper and more muted sound profile. The POM used in the Honey Bean is known for its ability to produce a pleasing and unique sound signature, while nylon is described as a classic switch housing material that similarly yields a fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This common characteristic suggests that both switches can be expected to produce rich sound quality, albeit through different material applications.

The impact of the housing materials extends beyond just sound; they also influence the tactile experience of each keypress. The POM housing of the Honey Bean is designed to contribute to a relatively muted response, creating a sense of depth in keystrokes. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Xinhai (Heavy) softens the sound further, thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. Thus, while the Honey Bean maximizes the acoustic potential of its POM construction, the Xinhai's nylon offers a classic touch that creates a more cushioned fall and release during typing. This distinction illustrates how each switch's material choice leads to different user experiences, yet both contribute to a satisfying and enjoyable overall sound.

Despite their disparate materials, the design principles that govern the Honey Bean and the Xinhai (Heavy) result in similar acoustic qualities. In scenarios where keypresses produce a bottom-out sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai mimics the dampening effect achieved by the POM bottoms of the Honey Bean, as both materials inherently absorb sound waves during a keystroke. The tactile response during the release phase, governed by the respective top housings, enhances the overall auditory experience. Therefore, while the materials differ, the intentional designs of both switches ensure they yield comparably rich and muted sound profiles that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Honey Bean switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, which may appeal to users seeking a more effortless typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that users who prefer a stronger keystroke might appreciate. Additionally, the Honey Bean’s bottom out force remains unknown, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a defined bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This further illustrates the Honey Bean's lighter design in terms of actuation force, which could facilitate ease of typing, while the HMX Xinhai's heavier actuation and bottom out forces suggest a more robust tactile feedback for users seeking that experience. Overall, these weight differences guide users in selecting a switch that aligns with their typing preferences and ergonomics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it is evident that the Honey Bean offers a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Xinhai (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm can significantly impact the user experience; gamers, for instance, might prefer the quicker response of the Xinhai due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses and quicker actions during gameplay. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may favor the Honey Bean switch, as its longer travel distance provides a more traditional and hearty depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch excels in providing a muted acoustic profile, designed to keep noise levels to a minimum. The soft and subtle sound it produces makes these switches an excellent choice for environments where quietude is paramount, such as offices or shared spaces. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch does not have a specifically defined sound profile available, leaving some uncertainty regarding its acoustic qualities. However, given its PA12 housing, which is intended to create softer acoustics, one could infer that it may not be excessively noisy either, but without specific descriptions, a clearer comparison remains elusive.

When it comes to feel, the Honey Bean switches are celebrated for their effortless, easy-to-press action that requires minimal force, resulting in a light typing experience that alleviates finger fatigue during prolonged use. The feathery nature of these switches further enhances comfort, making them ideal for extensive typing or gaming sessions. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, however, lacks specific details about its feel, which makes it difficult to assess its resistance and overall finger comfort. Without this information, one cannot definitively compare the two in this aspect.

Overall, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches cater to different preferences, especially when noise levels and tactile feedback come into play. The Honey Bean’s muted sound and light feel make it an excellent choice for users seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) offers a unique construction with potential for a pleasing acoustic experience, although its feel remains undefined. If you're looking for a switch with low noise and easy action, the Honey Bean switches will deliver a reliable experience. If you're open to exploring additional sound profiles and feel, the Xinhai (Heavy) may still offer satisfying results, although more information on its tactile characteristics would be helpful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially in a shared workspace where noise is a concern, the Honey Bean switches are an excellent choice. Their muted sound profile and feathery feel make them ideal for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial key press and seek a switch that offers both tactile satisfaction and acoustic refinement, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch may be better suited for you. With its medium actuation force and unique materials, this switch caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback in their keystrokes while retaining a sophisticated sound profile. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what traits matter most to you in order to make the best decision for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Jerrzi Honey Bean Linear

$4.00

$3.59 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more