TTC Flame Red vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting two mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Flame Red and the TTC Honey both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is best known for its stunning visual appeal, particularly its dazzling light diffuser that makes it the perfect choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on these switches provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Honey switches offer a smooth and creamy typing experience, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile that many find satisfying. The Honey switches are categorized as subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, highlighting their unique qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and TTC Honey switches, specifically their top housings, differ significantly. The Flame Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Honey switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the Honey switch allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it an ideal choice for those who want illuminated keys.
Similarly, both the Flame Red and Honey switches have bottom housings made of different materials. The Flame Red's bottom housing is also composed of nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Honey switch incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. The translucency of the polycarbonate material makes it beneficial for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting.
It is important to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom aspects of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound is influenced more significantly by the top housing. Despite their differences, both the Flame Red and Honey switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences, delivering enhanced typing performance based on the particular preference of the user.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch to the TTC Honey linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Flame Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, slightly heavier than the Honey switch's actuation force of 42 grams. Both switches provide a relatively lighter feel when triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Flame Red switch requires a force of 54 grams, while the Honey switch requires 50 grams. This makes the Flame Red switch slightly heavier when fully pressing down compared to the Honey switch. If a lighter switch is preferred for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, both switches offer similar results. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Flame Red switch would be the preferable choice due to its slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Flame Red linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch both have different travel distances. The Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Honey has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Honey switch a bit shallower than the Flame Red.
Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you prioritize quick and responsive keystrokes, the Honey switch would be a suitable choice for you. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press and a more substantial feel, the Flame Red switch with its longer travel distance would be a better fit.
Ultimately, the choice between the Flame Red and Honey switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user. Whether you opt for the shorter or longer travel distance, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. So, regardless of the choice you make, you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and functionality.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red switch provides a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level that suits most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you're using it at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a subdued sound. While it's not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle and gentle sound compared to many other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps you choose to use.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Flame Red switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch provides a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone that most people find approachable. Additionally, the Flame Red switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Honey switch offers a creamy and buttery typing experience. It feels smooth and effortless, like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. It also provides a subtle resistance and a gentle typing feel. Like the Flame Red, the Honey switch is also described as polished, ensuring reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Flame Red and Honey switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Flame Red switch has a clacky sound profile with a weighty smoothness, making it suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Honey switch provides a deep and pleasant sound profile, offering a more subdued and gentle typing experience. Both switches have qualities of being mild and polished, providing smooth and refined keystrokes with reduced friction and effortless travel. The smoothness and polished finish contribute to a sleek typing experience for both switches. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the Flame Red or Honey switches, both of which will deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a visually stunning keyboard with backlit RGB lighting, then the TTC Flame Red linear switch is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile, then the TTC Honey linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a gentle and frictionless typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, the subdued sound signature of the Honey switches makes them suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, the decision between the Flame Red and Honey switches depends on your priorities and preferences, whether it's the visual appeal or the typing feel and sound. Overall, both switches offer their unique characteristics that can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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