Introduction:
Launched in 2022, Keebfront has been carving out a niche in the keyboard community with its unconventional approach and unique aesthetic inspirations. Among its standout offerings are its switches, with the recent release of the Honeycomb switches garnering a lot of attention. These two-stage long pole linear switches, which are lubricated claim to deliver smoothness like honey, but is that true?
Specs:
Swtich type: Linear Switch
Stem Material: POM, Long Pole 13.7mm
Top Housing: Polycarbonate
Bottom Housing: Nylon
Spring: 18mm, 65g 2-stage
Manufacturer: Meirun
Price: $0.60 a switch
Smoothness:
Due to the lube application, the Honeycomb switches glide with no issue from press to release, avoiding any hint of scratchiness or roughness throughout the actuation to release. From centre actuation to slight off, the smoothness is consistent across the board, with each switch in my batch being similar to one another, which ensures a cohesive smooth experience.
Feel:
Despite the lube application, with my batch, there is a noticeable mushy feel – it’s as if the switches have been lubed with a very thick form of grease. While this may detract from the expected snappiness due to the two-stage spring implementation, the switches still deliver a satisfying bottom-out and a pronounced bouncy typing experience. The adoption of the two-stage spring, in conjunction with the Keebfron’ts 65-gram actuation force, does feel a lot heavier to type on than expected. However, if you can be accustomed to the weight and the slight mushiness – once again could just be my batch, the switches offer a very consistent and enjoyable typing experience, with each press delivering a satisfying stroke and bounce.
Sound:
While the material composition – PC top, nylon bottom joined by a long pole – frequently delivers higher-pitched feedback, the Honeycombs go off book with that and deliver a surprisingly muted sound signature, which is not something I desire with my typing experience. Even if you were to include an aluminium or carbon fibre plate, the switches still fail to achieve the expected higher-pitched tones a long-pole delivers.
Price:
For $0.60 a switch comprising of ‘standard’ components – PC top, Nylon bottom and a POM stem, the value seems a little more on the premium side. However, they are on par with other very good stock switches, such as the likes of a Vertex V1, but that is if the batch is perfect, which for me was very close.
Overall:
The Honeycombs are a solid stock switch, especially if you are into heavier-weighted switches. The sound is not as pronounced as I would like it, but once again you might prefer that. To put it simply – they are smooth and creamy, but also a little too mushy for my liking, but at least you will not need to lube them if you are looking for a simple plug-and-play switch. The Honeycombs are just like honey. Very thick, but also very smooth.
Rating: 3.5/5