TTC Honey vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Gateron Ink Box Black. The Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch also offers an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, but its sound signature resembles that of a spray paint can being shaken. Both switches have their unique characteristics that appeal to different users. The Honey switch, with its subdued, creamy, and frictionless nature, provides a subtle and polished typing experience. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a silky and polished touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Honey Linear

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches have distinct differences. The Honey features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky but not overly sharp. The INK blend offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound.

In terms of the bottom housings, both the Honey and the Ink Box Black switches utilize polycarbonate. The polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is because the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when bottoming out a key. Therefore, regardless of their other differences, the bottom housings of both switches deliver similar results in terms of sound.

However, when it comes to the top housing, the Honey's polycarbonate and the Ink Box Black's INK blend provide distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Honey switch contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when you release a key. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black switch produces a slightly less sharp sound, described as clacky. The choice between these two materials depends on personal preference and the desired sound profile.

In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches have their unique qualities. The polycarbonate used in both switches' bottom housings creates a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when bottoming out a key. However, the Honey's polycarbonate top housing provides a different sound profile than the Ink Box Black's INK blend. The Honey offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound upon key release, while the Ink Box Black delivers a slightly less sharp clacky sound. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can be selected to achieve the desired sound experience.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams, meaning it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Box Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a stronger push feel during typing.

In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, while the Ink Box Black switch requires 70 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Black switch has a more substantial typing experience, as it requires more force to fully bottom out compared to the lighter Honey switch.

Considering these differences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience or need to type for extended periods might lean towards the Honey switch. It allows for easier keystrokes and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger and more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ink Box Black switch, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying tactile response.

It is worth noting that while the forces differ between the two switches, both options offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force range, ensuring that users will have a consistent typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is clear that the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This may not seem like a significant difference, but for those who prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, the Ink Box Black would be the preferred choice. Gamers, in particular, tend to appreciate the quicker feedback provided by a shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key may gravitate towards the Honey switch with its slightly longer travel distance. It ultimately boils down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. For those seeking a similar travel distance, both switches offer relatively close results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch provides a more subdued and dampened sound when pressed. It offers a subtle sound signature that is not completely silent, but it is more understated compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a clacky sound profile that can be described as sharp, snappy, and even reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Additionally, the Ink Box Black switch produces a high-pitched sound, which is ideal for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound compared to the richer and bassy sound profiles of other switches. It is important to note that while the switch itself contributes to the sound, other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced. If you prefer a similar sound experience to the Honey switch, the Ink Box Black may not provide the exact same results, but it can still offer a satisfying experience with its unique clacky and high-pitched sound characteristics.

In terms of feel, both the TTC Honey and Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer a smooth and creamy typing experience. The Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, all indicating a smooth and effortless typing sensation. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Similarly, the Ink Box Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches can be expected to reduce friction and provide smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing feel.

Considering all the available information, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch provides a more subdued and deep sound profile, while the Ink Box Black switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. Both switches, however, deliver a smooth and creamy typing experience, with the Honey switch being described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, and the Ink Box Black switch being characterized as silky and polished. It is important to consider personal preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches, as they can significantly impact the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a light typing experience. These switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, as well as a deep and pleasant sound profile. In terms of sound, the Honey switch has a subdued sound that is not completely silent, but more subtle compared to most switches.

On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a similar smooth and creamy feel, but with a different sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a slightly heavier typing experience. These switches are also known for their smooth and creamy feel, and the sound signature reminds some users of a spray paint can being shaken. The Ink Box Black switch has a clacky and high-pitched sound, which can be described as sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive.

In terms of feel, both switches have a creamy and polished typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. The Honey switch is also described as frictionless and buttery, offering an effortless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch is described as silky, enhancing the smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Consider your preference for key weight, sound profile, and typing feel when choosing between the TTC Honey and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and creamy typing experience, but with slightly different attributes that cater to individual preferences.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Honey Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more