TTC Honey vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing the TTC Honey and Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The TTC Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender stands out for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature. While the Honey is described as 'subdued', 'creamy', and 'polished', the Lavender is characterized as 'easy-to-press' and 'clacky'. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Honey and the Zuoce Lavender switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Honey features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Lavender has a POM top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate material in the Honey creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM material in the Lavender produces a deeper, more muted sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, depending on their preference for sound and feel.
In terms of aesthetics, the Honey's polycarbonate top housing is transparent, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Lavender's POM top housing is not translucent, giving it a more solid and opaque appearance. The choice between a clear or opaque top housing can be a matter of personal preference, with some users preferring the sleek look of a clear housing, while others may prefer the solid look of an opaque housing. This difference in appearance can also impact the overall design and customization options for the keyboard.
While both switches have different materials for their top and bottom housings, the impact of these materials on the sound and feel of the switch remains consistent. The bottom housing material will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing the key. Despite the differences in material between the Honey and the Lavender, users can expect similar results in terms of how the housing materials affect the overall typing experience, with each material bringing its own unique qualities to the switch.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. The Honey switch would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for long typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Lavender switch provides a bit more resistance, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. In terms of weight, both switches offer similar results, making them suitable for users who appreciate consistency in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is clear that the Lavender has a shorter travel distance at 3.4 mm compared to the Honey's 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular for their quick response times, particularly among gamers. Those who prefer a snappier feel may lean towards the Lavender, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may find the longer travel distance of the Honey more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 sound profile, producing a dampened and subtle noise when pressed. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, giving each keystroke a distinct and satisfying auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience, giving a sensation akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It offers a buttery and frictionless feel, with a subtle resistance that contributes to a polished and refined typing experience. Conversely, the Zuoce Lavender switch is easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a gentle resistance that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions.
Overall, while the TTC Honey and Zuoce Lavender linear switches have their differences in sound and feel, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the subdued sound and creamy feel of the Honey or the clacky sound and easy-to-press sensation of the Lavender, you can expect similar levels of satisfaction and performance from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the TTC Honey switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams, exceptional smoothness right out of the box, and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Zuoce Lavender switch may be more suited to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking.
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