HMX Cheese vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the TTC Honey both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light linear switches stand out for being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the TTC Honey is known for its smooth and creamy typing feel, paired with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Honey switches offer a different tactile experience. Both switches have their own merits depending on the user's preference; 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
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and TTC Honey switches offer contrasting characteristics in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Cheese's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Honey's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile because of its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material of Honey's top housing is advantageous for RGB lighting due to its translucency, enhancing its visual appeal.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Cheese and Honey switches share similar characteristics as both are described as classic switch housing materials that elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the Cheese's bottom housing results in a similar sound profile to the top housing, creating a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition. Likewise, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile consistent with its top housing characteristics. Both bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound experience when typing on the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the top and bottom components of a switch has a direct impact on the sound profile and feel of typing. While the Cheese and Honey switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are split between the two components. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding these distinctions can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound profiles and typing experience.
Weight
There are some key differences between the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch. In terms of actuation force, the Cheese requires 43 grams, while the Honey requires 42 grams, making the Honey slightly lighter to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cheese has a force of 46 grams compared to the Honey's 50 grams, making the Cheese lighter to fully press down. Both switches provide a light typing experience overall, but the Honey may offer a slightly quicker actuation force while the Cheese may require slightly less force to bottom out. Depending on personal preference, some may find the Cheese more comfortable for extended typing sessions due to its lighter bottom out force, while others may prefer the slightly quicker actuation of the Honey switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or quicker typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, we can see that the Cheese has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the TTC Honey linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the HMX Cheese linear switch. In general, a shorter travel distance can provide a faster response time, making it ideal for gamers who require quick reactions. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper, more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is distinguished by its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, providing a unique and enjoyable auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile, creating a more subdued and subtle typing sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HMX Cheese linear switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, offering a light and effortless keystroke feel. In contrast, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as providing a smooth and creamy typing experience, with a buttery, frictionless, and polished sensation when pressing the keys. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Honey switch potentially providing a slightly more luxurious feel due to its creamy and buttery attributes.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese linear switch excels in producing a distinct clacky and crispy sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a smooth and creamy typing feel with a more subdued sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the HMX Cheese and TTC Honey linear switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when making a choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for an ultra-light switch with a smooth and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the lightness and sound signature of the Cheese switch or the creamy feel and sound profile of the Honey switch. Choose wisely based on your personal typing preferences and enjoy the mechanical keyboard experience to the fullest.
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