Jerrzi Honey Bean vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Honey Bean and the TTC Yunhai both stand out as excellent choices within the linear switch category, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Honey Bean is celebrated for its light actuation and silent operation, making it an ideal option for office settings or shared spaces where minimizing noise is essential. Users can expect a delightful and muted typing experience, perfect for those who value discretion alongside performance. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai presents a distinctive typing experience with its deep, rounded sound profile and incredibly low actuation force, appealing to typists who appreciate a gentle and effortless keystroke. While both switches offer a smooth linear response, the Honey Bean prioritizes silence and subtlety, whereas the Yunhai emphasizes a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Honey Bean and the TTC Yunhai showcase different housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles and overall typing experience. The Honey Bean employs POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for providing a deeper, muted sound. POM's dense structure tends to absorb vibrations effectively, resulting in a sound profile that is not only unique but also warm and rounded. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon, recognized for being a classic switch housing material, provides a naturally fuller sound due to its softer plastic characteristics, which absorb sound more than harder plastics. Although both materials aim to deliver a rich auditory experience, the POM of the Honey Bean yields a more distinct sound profile compared to the deeper, fuller notes produced by the Yunhai's nylon.
Despite the differences in materials, both switches share a fundamental trait: they result in a sound that is predominantly on the deeper side of the spectrum. The muted sound of the POM in the Honey Bean and the fuller resonance of the nylon in the Yunhai both leverage the intrinsic qualities of their respective materials to create satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Users of these switches can expect a sound profile that provides auditory pleasure, though the nuances will differ due to the inherent properties of POM and nylon. The Honey Bean's focus on a unique sound profile may be seen as more specialized, while the Yunhai offers a classic touch that appeals to traditionalists in the keyboard community.
When it comes to the individual experiences of each switch, the specific material of the top and bottom housings plays a critical role. In both the Honey Bean and the Yunhai, the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feedback when a key is fully pressed, while the top housing primarily influences the sound when releasing the key. Therefore, while the materials differ, both switches can achieve a rich and satisfying sound experience through their unique housing compositions. Users seeking deeper sound profiles will find that both options can fulfill this desire, albeit with differing characteristics that reflect their material heritage.
Weight
When comparing the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 42 grams, which suggests that users will experience a similar level of effort when triggering keystrokes. However, the differences become apparent with the bottom out force; the Yunhai has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Honey Bean’s bottom out force is unknown. This indicates that while both switches are equal in the actuation phase, the Yunhai requires additional force to bottom out, imparting a heavier feel overall. Users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions may gravitate towards the Honey Bean due to its unknown bottom out force, which could imply a softer overall experience. Conversely, the Yunhai's 50 grams bottom out force provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who favor a stronger push during use. Therefore, while both switches offer the same actuation force, their differences in bottom out force cater to distinct user preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Honey Bean has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Yunhai features a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Honey Bean offers a bit more depth, making it potentially more appealing for users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Conversely, the Yunhai's shorter travel distance may cater to those who favor quicker response times, as it allows for rapid keystrokes, which is often preferred by gamers. Overall, if you're looking for a balance between comfort and speed, the Honey Bean would be the better choice with its longer travel distance, whereas the Yunhai is ideal for those who appreciate a snappier action.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch stands out with its muted acoustic profile. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as offices or shared workspaces. Its silent operation ensures that the typing experience remains discreet without compromising the satisfaction of keystrokes. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is known for its unique deep, rounded sound profile, offering a distinctly richer auditory feedback compared to the Honey Bean. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Yunhai are less detailed, which makes direct comparisons challenging; nonetheless, it is likely to generate a more pronounced sound while typing.
Regarding the feel, the Honey Bean switches provide an easy-to-press experience, requiring minimal effort to achieve actuation. This ease of use is coupled with a feathery sensation, making them very comfortable for prolonged periods of typing or gaming. The gentle resistance contributes to a responsive typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, enabling users to type quickly and effortlessly. In contrast, there is no specific information provided about the feel of the TTC Yunhai switches. Although they are noted for their light actuation force, without additional descriptors, it remains unclear how they compare in tactile feedback and overall user satisfaction to the Honey Bean.
In summary, the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switches are ideal for those who prioritize a quiet, comfortable typing experience, perfect for shared spaces and extended use. Their muted sound and lightweight feel make them user-friendly and fatigue-reducing. The TTC Yunhai, while also featuring a light actuation force, offers a deeper sound profile but lacks sufficient detail for a comprehensive evaluation of its feel. Users leaning towards either switch can expect some similarities in overall lightness and ease of use, but their sound profiles are likely to set them apart in specific environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Jerrzi Honey Bean linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself in a shared or quiet workspace, the Honey Bean switches would be an excellent choice for you. Their muted sound profile and easy-to-press, feathery feel make them ideal for prolonged typing sessions, allowing you to type comfortably without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly deeper auditory experience and prefer a light actuation force while typing, the Yunhai switches may better suit your needs. Their unique sound profile and lightweight design are perfect for users who appreciate a more effortless feel while still enjoying the mechanical switch experience. Thus, think about where you’ll be using your keyboard and how you want it to feel and sound to determine the best switch for you.