TTC Honey vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

The TTC Honey and Gateron Ink Black V2 are both mechanical keyboard switches that fall under the linear switch category. The Honey is celebrated for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, these switches emit a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a classic choice that has gained popularity within the community. It offers a smooth downstroke and delivers a rich clack sound. This switch is characterized by its low-pitched and bassy sound, giving it a distinct personality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Honey Linear

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches differ slightly in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Honey switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This provides a clear and resonant sound profile, which is especially beneficial when using RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend top housing also produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, offering a satisfying and clacky sound when typing.

Similarly, the bottom housings of the Honey and the Ink Black V2 switches differ. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, matching the qualities of its top housing. This results in a consistent and cohesive sound experience throughout key presses. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 switch adds to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, ensuring a satisfying and clacky typing experience.

While the differences in housing materials bring varying sound profiles to the Honey and Ink Black V2 switches, it's important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch both play a role in determining the overall sound and feel. Pressing down on the switch relies more on the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is affected more by the top housing's characteristics. Therefore, while the Honey and Ink Black V2 switches may have different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, understanding the impact of each housing on keypresses helps in achieving similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in weight. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range.

For those seeking a lighter typing experience, the Honey switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for users who spend extended periods typing or gaming. However, individuals who prefer a stronger pushing sensation and a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ink Black V2 switch. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a tactile response that some users find more satisfying.

While the actuation force and bottom out force for these switches differ, it is worth mentioning that both switches have similar results in terms of actuation and bottoming out. This means that users can expect comparable performance despite the varying forces involved. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the weight and typing experience desired.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Ink Black V2 has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Honey switch the shorter option and the Ink Black V2 the longer one. However, it's important to note that both switches fall within the range of what is considered a traditional travel distance.

For those who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Honey switch may be preferable. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances as they allow for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key may opt for the Ink Black V2 with its longer travel distance. The added depth can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for some users.

Overall, when it comes to the travel distance of these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive and slightly shallower feel, the TTC Honey with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be a good choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more pronounced key press, the Gateron Ink Black V2 with its 4 mm travel distance may be the better option. Either way, both switches will provide a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with slightly different levels of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Honey linear switch is best characterized as having a deep and pleasant sound profile. It is described as being subdued, meaning it produces a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound. This type of switch features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, it has a unique chirpy characteristic, adding a little squeak to each keystroke. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as having a smooth and creamy typing experience. This is due to the switch featuring a lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials that contribute to a buttery sensation. Typing on a Honey switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, as they seamlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the Honey switch is considered frictionless, offering minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. It also provides a subtle and polished typing experience, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel while not being too feather-light. In comparison, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as mild and polished. It offers a more gentle typing experience, striking a safe middle-ground between being approachable to most users. Similar to the Honey switch, the Ink Black V2 switch also features a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have their own unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile that is more subdued, while the Ink Black V2 switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound with a chirpy undertone. In terms of feel, the Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, being both frictionless and polished. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a mild typing experience, balancing between safety and approachability. Both switches feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, either switch can provide satisfying results.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Honey switch with its 50-gram bottom out force would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 with its 70-gram bottom out force would be more suitable.

In terms of sound, the Honey switch offers a more subdued sound profile, meaning that it produces a dampened sound when pressed. This makes it a good option if you prefer a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch has a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound, giving it a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switch has a unique chirpy sound, adding a little squeak to each key press.

When it comes to feel, the Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience. It offers a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. It is a frictionless and buttery switch that provides a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most. It also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a subdued sound, and a smooth and creamy feel, the Honey switch would be a great option for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound, and a mild typing experience, the Ink Black V2 switch would be more suitable. Consider these factors and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Honey Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more