TTC Brother vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch. The Brother switch is loved for its lightweight actuation of just 37g, providing a tactile experience that's both satisfying and easy on the fingers. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a perfect balance of tactile feedback, it's a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
17.5mm spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and TTC Honey, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically speaking, polycarbonate is especially useful in switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, while the Brother also features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, the Honey opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing for a consistent sound experience.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the choice of bottom housing material sets the TTC Brother and TTC Honey apart. The Brother's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharper top housing characteristics, providing a balanced sound experience. On the other hand, the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile found in its top housing, offering a more consistent sound throughout the key press. These differences in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Brother and TTC Honey will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a clear and resonant sound, their bottom housing materials - nylon for the Brother and polycarbonate for the Honey - offer distinct qualities that can affect the typing feel and sound produced. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound with the nylon bottom housing of the Brother or a consistent sharp and crisp sound with the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey, both switches provide unique options for customizing your keyboard sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Brother clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Honey linear switch's actuation force of 42 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is unknown, while the Honey linear switch requires a light bottom out force of 50 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Brother switch may appeal to those who prefer a more delicate typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Honey switch provides a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is clear that the Brother has a shorter travel distance of 3.5mm compared to the 3.8mm of the Honey. The Brother clicky switch is ideal for those looking for a faster response time, especially gamers who value quick reactions. On the other hand, the Honey linear switch provides a slightly deeper keypress experience, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of popular travel distances, with the Brother being on the shorter end and the Honey being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves, making each keystroke a delight for clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch provides a more subdued sound profile, offering a gentle and subtle sound that is not overpowering, creating a more relaxed typing environment. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different tastes.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation, resulting in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, it features a stepped tactile bump that provides a nuanced feedback, enhancing the overall typing feel. In contrast, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, with a buttery smoothness that allows for effortless keystrokes. With a polished finish and subtle resistance, the Honey switch provides a refined typing sensation for those who prefer a more fluid and uniform typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brother excels in providing a crunchy sound and an easy-to-press tactile feel, while the Honey delivers a subdued sound and a creamy, frictionless typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. If similar results are desired, opting for the Brother or Honey switch would provide comparable experiences, albeit with distinct nuances that set them apart from each other. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch comes down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and tactile typing experience with a delightful click sound, the Brother switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Honey switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and audible click of the Brother switch or the smooth and buttery feel of the Honey switch. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences and enjoy the keyboard switch that best suits your needs.
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