TTC Honey vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available that can greatly impact your typing experience. Two popular switches, the TTC Honey and the TKC Kiwi, offer distinctive features and benefits. The Honey switch is widely recognized for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch is designed to provide a tactile typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. Additionally, it offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the TKC Kiwi switches are different, with the Honey featuring a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Kiwi has a UHWMPE top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the UHWMPE housing of the Kiwi switches offers a very bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks when typing. So, in terms of sound profile, the Honey's polycarbonate housing is likely to produce a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Kiwi's UHWMPE housing may offer a brighter and more distinct typing experience.
When it comes to the impact on the sound and feel of typing, the housing materials of the bottom housing play a crucial role. In the case of these switches, the qualities brought by the bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys. With the TTC Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing, the stiffer plastic is expected to provide a more defined and resonant bottom-out sound. The UHWMPE bottom housing of the TKC Kiwi, being a newer material, may offer a unique and clear impact sound to enhance the typing experience. So, depending on personal preference, either the polycarbonate or UHWMPE bottom housing can provide a different sensation during typing.
On the other hand, the impact on the sound when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing material. Both the Honey's polycarbonate and the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing are known to contribute to the overall sound profile when keys are let go. While the Honey's polycarbonate top housing is described as creating a sharper and crisper sound, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing also offers a bright sound signature. Although these materials have slightly different descriptions, they are likely to provide similar results in terms of sound when releasing a key. Thus, regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a satisfying sound experience upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with minimal effort. In contrast, the Kiwi switch requires slightly more force with an actuation force of 43 grams, but still falls within a similar range. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Honey switch has a force of 50 grams, indicating a lighter and gentler typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial and satisfying push feel.
Considering weight as an important factor, those seeking a lightweight typing experience may prefer the Honey switch due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This is particularly advantageous for individuals who require longer periods of typing, such as those using their keyboards for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more solid typing experience may lean towards the Kiwi switch, which offers a medium-heavy bottom out force. In this case, the Kiwi switch would be a suitable option for users who prioritize a more substantial typing experience. In any case, individuals can achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces by carefully selecting the appropriate switch based on their preferences and requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have different travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both distances are relatively close to each other and fall within the range of what is considered a traditional travel distance for switches. The most traditional travel distance is 4.0 mm, which is the distance that the Kiwi switch covers. On the other hand, the Honey switch has a slightly shorter travel distance.
The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. Gamers, for example, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If responsiveness is a top priority for you, then the Honey switch with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be the more suitable option. However, for some individuals, shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt and lack the depth they desire. In such cases, the longer travel distance of the Kiwi switch may be more appealing, as it provides a more hearty and satisfying keystroke experience. Ultimately, it's important to consider your own preferences and requirements when selecting between the two switches.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Honey linear switch is best described as having a deep and pleasant sound profile. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as having a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that delivers a truly immersive typing experience. It is low-pitched, which means it features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. This makes the Kiwi switch suitable for those who enjoy a lower-pitched sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Both switches offer unique sound qualities, so the choice between them depends on personal preference.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience. This is achieved through lubricant applied at the factory and specific materials used in the switch. Typing on the Honey switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, resulting in a silky sensation. It is also described as frictionless, providing a fluid travel when pressing the keys. The Honey switch is buttery in both sound and feel, offering a seamless and uniform typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch provides a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It falls under the category of accented switches, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Honey switch focuses on a smooth and effortless feel, while the Kiwi switch provides a more tactile typing experience. Choosing between the two depends on whether the user prefers a smooth or tactile feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Honey switch provides a deep and pleasant sound profile with a smooth and creamy typing experience. It is best suited for those who prefer a quieter typing environment with a frictionless feel. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile with a medium to medium-strong bump for enhanced tactility. It is suitable for users who enjoy a lower-pitched sound and want a more tactile typing experience. Both switches are polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Honey and Kiwi switches depends on personal preference in terms of sound and feel. However, it is important to consider that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a smooth and creamy typing feel, the TTC Honey linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. It has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it light and effortless to press. The Honey switch is best known for its smooth and creamy typing experience, thanks to the lubricant applied at the factory and the specific materials used. It offers a frictionless and buttery sensation, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. In terms of sound, the Honey produces a subdued and more subtle sound signature.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a tactile feedback, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The Kiwi switch is designed to enhance your typing experience with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. It offers a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, delivering a truly immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switch comes lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box.
In summary, the choice between the TTC Honey linear switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light and smooth typing feel with a more subdued sound, the Honey switch would be a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with tactile feedback and a snappy sound profile, the Kiwi switch would be more suitable. Consider your desired bottom out force, sound preference, and typing experience when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
