TTC Honey vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Honey and the Gateron Ink Red. The TTC Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, making each keystroke a delight. Additionally, these switches offer a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch with a lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. These switches are undeniably smooth and provide a crispy and clacky sound profile, which many users find satisfying. Typing on the Ink Reds feels effortless due to their seamless operation. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and Gateron Ink Red switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches utilize a housing material that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, while the Honey features a polycarbonate top housing, the Ink Red uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing.
The polycarbonate top housing in the Honey switch offers a clear and resonant sound profile due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This makes it an ideal choice if you plan to use the switch with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant light effects. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing in the Ink Red switch delivers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While the Honey's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Ink Red's INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin sound profile.
Similarly, the differences in the bottom housing materials affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Honey switch contributes to a sharper and clearer sound, enhancing the overall sound experience. In comparison, the INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Red switch provides a pointed and high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Therefore, the choice of bottom housing material influences the tactile feedback and sound you experience when pressing down on each switch.
When comparing how the top and bottom housings impact the switches, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when you release a key. Conversely, the bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, affecting the overall typing experience. Both the TTC Honey and Gateron Ink Red switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the housing materials responsible for shaping these auditory characteristics in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, a clear distinction can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Honey has a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Gateron Ink Red requires a slightly higher force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Honey switch has a force of 50 grams, whereas the Ink Red requires a heavier force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Honey switch offers a lighter and smoother typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ink Red switch provides a more substantial and pronounced key-press feel due to its higher bottom out force, appealing to individuals who seek a more robust typing experience. It is worth noting that although the forces differ between the two switches, individuals seeking a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out forces may find satisfaction in either of these options.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, we can see that they have slightly different measurements. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Honey the shorter option and the Ink Red the longer option. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. They appreciate the quicker feedback that comes with a shorter distance. On the other hand, some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with more depth. In this case, the Ink Red with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and whether one values a shorter, more responsive experience or a longer, more substantial feel.
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 Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 offers a subdued sound profile. It produces a dampened sound when pressed, making it a more subtle option compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate sound profile that suits various purposes. However, it also has a unique characteristic with a slight chirp or squeak to its acoustic signature. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience. It feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, providing a seamless and uniform sensation. The Ink Red switch, on the other hand, is described as silky, mild, and polished in terms of feel. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. They provide a gentle typing feel that most people would find approachable.
Overall, both the TTC Honey and Gateron Ink Red switches offer smooth and pleasant typing experiences. While the Honey switch has a smoother and creamier feel, the Ink Red switch provides added silkiness. The Honey switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile, while the Ink Red switch has a crispy and clacky sound profile with a unique chirp. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches can deliver satisfying results. If you prefer the smoothness of the Honey switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feel with the Ink Red switch. Likewise, if you enjoy the crispy sound of the Ink Red switch, the Honey switch may provide a comparable experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a lighter typing style and a switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a light and effortless typing experience. They also have a deep and pleasant sound profile, creating a satisfying typing sound. Additionally, if you prefer a more subdued sound signature, the Honey switch would be suitable for you.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a better fit. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a slightly heavier typing feel compared to the Honey switch. However, they still offer a smooth and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Ink Red switches also have a crispy and clacky sound profile, with just a hint of a chirpy sound. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users and are versatile for home or work environments.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Honey and Gateron Ink Red linear switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the desired typing style, sound profile, and overall feel when making your choice.
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