Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Honey Bean is praised for its light and linear action, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a discreet and quiet typing experience, perfect for shared environments or office settings. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is favored for its delicate typing feel and crisp sound profile, making it suitable for those who type for extended periods. While the Honey Bean is described as easy-to-press and feathery, the Yanyu is characterized by its neutral, mild, thocky, feathery, subtle, and polished traits. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users; 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
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Jerrzi Honey Bean and SP-Star Yanyu switches both contribute to creating unique sound profiles, with the Honey Bean utilizing POM for both the top and bottom housing, while the Yanyu features a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both components. The POM housings of the Honey Bean produce a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Yanyu offers a brighter and pleasant sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying auditory feedback to the user.
In terms of construction, the Honey Bean and Yanyu switches also differ in their approach to housing materials. While the Honey Bean employs POM for both the top and bottom housing, the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both components. This distinction in material composition may impact the overall sound profile and feel of each switch, with the POM housings of the Honey Bean contributing to a deeper and more muted sound, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Yanyu offers a brighter and more pleasant auditory experience.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the performance of these switches, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound when the key is released. This means that the unique characteristics of POM in the Honey Bean switches and the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu switches will each contribute to different aspects of the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback based on the chosen housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Honey Bean has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is unknown. However, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams compared to the Honey Bean's unknown bottom out force. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the Honey Bean may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Yanyu could be better suited for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey Bean switch, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the longer travel distance of the Yanyu switch. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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, producing softer and quieter sounds that are ideal for shared environments or offices where noise reduction is key. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, giving it a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Depending on personal preference, the Honey Bean's muted sound may be more appealing for those seeking a discreet typing experience, while the Yanyu's thocky sound may offer a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, both switches share similar traits in being feathery with light actuation force to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Jerrzi Honey Bean switch offers an easy-to-press and feathery typing experience, enhancing responsiveness and comfort during prolonged use. Similarly, the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a mild and subtle typing feel with a polished finish for smooth key travel, making it suitable for a wide range of users looking for a gentle and comfortable typing experience. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing feel from both switches due to their shared lightweight and refined characteristics.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prioritize a quieter typing experience, the Honey Bean switch is a great choice with its muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more satisfying auditory feedback with a thocky sound, the Yanyu switch may be more appealing. Both switches excel in providing a light and comfortable typing feel, making them suitable for extended use without causing finger fatigue. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch is the better fit for individual typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you prioritize a silent typing experience in a shared space like an office, the Honey Bean switch's light and linear action would be ideal. On the other hand, if you prefer a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile for long typing sessions, the Yanyu switch with its light actuation force could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different preferences, so choose based on your specific needs and preferences.
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