TTC Gold Silver vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Honey mechanical keyboard switches, there are notable differences in their characteristics. The Gold Silver switch is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out with each keystroke and a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile. While the Gold Silver switch focuses on speed, sound, and fluidity, the Honey switch prioritizes a subdued, creamy, and buttery typing experience. Both switches fall under the 'Subtle' category, but the Gold Silver is more 'Thocky' and 'Low-pitched' while the Honey is 'Frictionless' and 'Polished'. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 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
NPI
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 Gold Silver and the Honey both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Gold Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Honey features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with this material.
When comparing the housing materials of the Gold Silver and the Honey, it is evident that the choice of material in the top and bottom housings can significantly impact the sound and feel of the switch. The split between the bottom and top housing qualities means that when pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how subtle differences in housing materials can contribute to the overall typing experience.
While the Gold Silver and the Honey feature differences in their bottom housing materials, such as nylon and polycarbonate respectively, both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing. These benefits include a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, along with the aesthetic advantage of translucency for RGB lighting. Despite the variation in bottom housing material, the similarities in top housing material ensure that both switches offer comparable sound qualities and visual appeal when it comes to the top part of the housing.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TTC Honey linear switch which has an actuation force of 42 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, while the Honey has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it heavier. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the TTC Honey for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Gold Silver. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, and while the actuation forces differ slightly, the overall result will be quite similar in terms of responsiveness and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Honey has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, suitable for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. The Gold Silver would provide a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, while the Honey offers a slightly more substantial feel with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of key responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Silver switch is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, offering a deep, rich sound with a moderate actuation force suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch produces a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle sound profile that is not completely silent but less aggressive compared to other switches. Both switches provide unique sound experiences that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and gentle resistance. In contrast, the TTC Honey switch provides a creamy, frictionless, buttery, and subtle feel, delivering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with minimal resistance and effortless keystrokes. Both switches offer a luxurious typing experience with different attributes that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for users seeking a refined and comfortable typing feel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, decisive bottom-out, and resonant sound signature, providing a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, emphasizing a luxurious and effortless keystroke sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches provide high-quality experiences that can enhance your typing performance and comfort. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver and TTC Honey switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the TTC Honey linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch might be more to your liking. Additionally, if you are seeking a switch with a light bottom out force, the Honey with 50 grams could be the better option compared to the unspecified force of the Gold Silver. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to determine which characteristics align best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Silver and TTC Honey switches boils down to what feels and sounds most comfortable and satisfying to you as a typist.
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