TTC Honey vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the PH Studio Jacaranda both offer unique characteristics and benefits. The TTC Honey switch is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. This switch provides a comfortable typing experience and is known for its subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished qualities. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, manufactured by KTT, stands out with its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g, making it easy on the fingers and ensuring fatigue-free typing. The Jacaranda is characterized by clacky, high-pitched, silky, and resonant traits, offering crisp, audible feedback with each press and a uniquely bouncy sensation due to its extended 22mm spring. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Honey and the PH Studio Jacaranda feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully. However, while both switches share this common material for their top housings, they differ in their bottom housings.
The TTC Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to enhance the sharp and clear sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate material. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda features a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, both the TTC Honey and the PH Studio Jacaranda share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets them apart, with the Honey offering a continuation of the sharp and clear sound through its polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Jacaranda provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with its nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the different housing materials in each switch contribute to their unique sound characteristics and overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Honey linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch both fall into the lighter range, with the Jacaranda being slightly lighter in both categories. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jacaranda switch has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a lighter typing experience, making them ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. The slight differences in force between the two switches may not be drastic enough to significantly impact the typing experience, so users can expect similar results with either option. The preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired feel while typing.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Jacaranda linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Honey linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, particularly gamers. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the Honey linear switch more suitable due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the feel and responsiveness of the keys.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 linear switch offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch boasts a clacky sound with crisp, bright, and percussive feedback. Additionally, the Jacaranda has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, making each keystroke a sharp and immersive auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is renowned for its creamy and smooth typing experience. With a buttery sensation and frictionless travel, typing on the Honey switch feels effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a silky typing experience, enhancing smoothness and reducing resistance during key presses. Both switches provide a polished and refined feel, ensuring a sleek typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the TTC Honey and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer a premium typing experience. Whether you prefer the subdued and creamy feel of the Honey switch or the clacky and bouncy feedback of the Jacaranda switch, you can expect a high-quality performance from either option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches are designed to elevate your typing experience to new heights.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force and typing experience. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing feel with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an even lighter bottom-out force and value a uniquely bouncy typing sensation with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the PH Studio Jacaranda switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your personal typing style and preferences when making your decision.
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