KTT Ash Gray vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Honey. The Ash Gray switch is known for its tactile response that strikes a perfect balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming. With its light touch and crisp actuation, this switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is far from the unnoticed "sandy" sensation. On the other hand, the Honey switch is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a typing experience that is both frictionless and buttery. Additionally, these switches offer a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. The Ash Gray is categorized as easy-to-press, mild, and neutral, whereas the Honey is described as subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the TTC Honey both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Similarly, the Honey also features a polycarbonate top housing, providing comparable characteristics in terms of sound quality and RGB functionality.
However, where these two switches diverge is in their bottom housings. The Ash Gray utilizes nylon, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Honey uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, offering the same sharp, high-pitched sound profile as its top housing. The bottom housing, although less impactful on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, still contributes to the overall acoustic experience.
When comparing these two switches, it is important to note that the qualities associated with each housing material are split between the top and bottom parts of the switch. While the bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the significance of incorporating different housing materials in a switch to achieve desired sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Honey requires a slightly heavier force of 42 grams to activate a keystroke. This means that the Ash Gray may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming, allowing for longer periods of comfortable usage. On the other hand, the Honey has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Ash Gray's 53 grams. This indicates that the Honey switch may provide a softer landing when pressing all the way down, potentially offering a more cushioned typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the difference in weight being somewhat negligible for most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Honey linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, both of these switches fall within the shorter range. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ash Gray switch. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more satisfying key press may opt for the longer travel distance provided by the Honey switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The TTC Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch can be classified as neutral, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various purposes and environments. It strikes a balance between not being too loud and not being completely silent, making it versatile for both beginners and advanced users, as well as for home or work settings. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch is described as subdued, producing a dampened sound upon pressing. While it is not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Ash Gray switch offers a combination of easy-to-press and mild characteristics. It provides gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in a low-impact and effortless typing experience. This enhances the overall typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch offers a range of descriptors for its feel. It is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, as they seamlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the Honey switch also has frictionless, subtle, and polished descriptors, indicating an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, gentle resistance, and a polished finish respectively.
Based on the available information, while the Ash Gray and Honey switches have different sound and feel characteristics, they both offer their unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience. The Ash Gray switch provides a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, with light touch and crisp actuation. It offers a blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but far from unnoticed. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Both switches provide excellent options for users seeking different qualities in their mechanical keyboards. Additionally, it is important to consider that the subjective experience of sound and feel can also vary based on factors like keycaps and the keyboard board used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still noticeable. It is easy to press and provides a low-impact typing feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Ash Gray switch also has a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used in various environments.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a perfect fit. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, this switch offers a gentle typing experience that is like gliding your fingers across the keys. It is described as creamy, frictionless, and buttery, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. The Honey switch also has a subdued sound profile, making it more suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the TTC Honey linear switch depends on your personal preference. If you value a light touch and a subtle tactile feedback, along with a neutral sound profile, the Ash Gray would be an excellent option. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Honey switch would be the way to go. In the end, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
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