TTC Honey vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Honey and the KTT Hyacinth are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits for users. The Honey switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. They are categorized as being subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switches stand out for their design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance. This decision was made to provide a comfortable typing experience and avoid the hard bottoming-out commonly associated with longer-stem switches. The Hyacinth switches feature a single-stage elongated spring instead of the dual-stage elongated springs seen in many keyboards, resulting in a more consistent force curve. They are categorized as being neutral, silky, and subtle. Both switches have their unique advantages, however, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the KTT Hyacinth have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Consequently, both the Honey and the Hyacinth will provide similar sound profiles and visual effects with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Honey and the Hyacinth diverge. The Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the switch's overall sound profile will have a sharper and higher-pitched tone, as well as a clear and resonant sound when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Hyacinth features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. Consequently, the bottom housing of each switch will provide a distinct auditory experience.
In terms of key feel, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the switch's overall feel when pressed down. Since the Honey's bottom housing is polycarbonate, it will provide a stiffer and more rigid feel, contributing to a snappy and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing will offer a softer and more cushioned feel, leading to a more tactile and subtle keystroke sensation. Conversely, the top housing, which is polycarbonate for both switches, will primarily influence the sound produced when releasing a pressed key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Honey switch is lighter, requiring only 42 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Hyacinth switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Honey switch has a relatively light force of 50 grams, whereas the Hyacinth switch requires a medium-light force of 56 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey switch would be a suitable choice, as both its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter compared to the Hyacinth switch. This may be beneficial for individuals who engage in extended typing sessions or for gamers who require quick and effortless keystrokes. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial and tactile typing feel might lean towards the Hyacinth switch, as its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push sensation during typing.
Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches offer distinct options for users with varying preferences. Ultimately, individuals seeking a lighter keyboard may opt for the Honey switch, while those desiring a more substantial typing experience may choose the Hyacinth switch. Both switches provide their own unique advantages, allowing users to customize their typing experience accordingly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the distances traveled by each switch. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Hyacinth has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches deviate from the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, with the Honey being slightly longer and the Hyacinth being slightly shorter. These differences can have an impact on the typing experience depending on personal preference. Gamers, for example, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Hyacinth a potentially appealing choice. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke may find the longer travel distance of the Honey more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 Honey switch provides a subdued experience. This means that the switch produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you are looking for a quieter typing experience, both the Honey and the Hyacinth switches are good options.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey switch is best known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience. This switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation, with a gliding feeling as your fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. It also provides a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a light typing feel with gentle resistance, making them suitable for comfortable and effortless typing.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the TTC Honey and KTT Hyacinth switches have their own unique qualities. If you prefer a switch with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the Honey switch would be ideal. However, if you are looking for a switch that focuses on creating an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, the Hyacinth switch would be a better choice. In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, with the Honey switch being described as creamy and the Hyacinth switch as silky. Overall, based on the provided information, using either of these switches will result in a similar pleasant sound and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a light typing experience that is complemented by its deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch with its 56 grams bottom out force might be more suitable. The Hyacinth switches stand out for their design choice of a 3.5mm travel distance, which avoids the hard bottoming-out experience found in switches with longer stems. This design decision was driven by a commitment to create an ideal balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort. In terms of sound, the Honey switch offers a subdued sound, while the Hyacinth switch provides a neutral sound profile. When it comes to the feel, the Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is described as silky and subtle, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a gentle resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and KTT Hyacinth switches will depend on your preference for the level of key resistance and the specific sound and feel you desire.
Mentioned in this article
