TTC Honey vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Honey and the Durock Light Tactile are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. The Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the Honey switches produce a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding a touch of elegance to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a refreshing alternative to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches feels angelic, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. While both switches have their merits, it is important to delve deeper beyond these generalities in order to choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Durock Light Tactile switches are both made with polycarbonate for their top housings. This common material choice gives them similar qualities in terms of sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its relatively stiffer nature contributes to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Honey and the Light Tactile switches will provide a similar sound profile and visual effect when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, there is a notable difference between the two switches. The Honey switch utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Light Tactile switch employs a nylon bottom housing. This results in variations in sound and feel. Typing on the Honey switch with its polycarbonate bottom housing will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Light Tactile switch with its nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, thus creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is important to you, the TTC Honey switch would be the preferred choice.
When considering the overall typing experience, it is important to acknowledge that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch contribute differently to the sound profile. While the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Both the TTC Honey and the Durock Light Tactile switches have unique characteristics in terms of their housing materials that affect these aspects. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when keys are released. However, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Light Tactile switch creates a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the specific sound profile and typing experience you prefer.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Light Tactile switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams. This means that the Honey switch will trigger a keystroke with a lighter touch compared to the Light Tactile switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Honey switch has a force of 50 grams, which is relatively light, while the Light Tactile switch has a force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Light Tactile switch will provide a more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time may opt for the Honey switch, while those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Light Tactile switch. It's important to consider these differences in actuation and bottom out forces to determine the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Honey has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Light Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common. However, considering the preferences of gamers who prioritize faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Honey may be more appealing. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke, the slightly longer travel distance of the Light Tactile may provide a more satisfying depth. In general, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to individual preferences and desired level of responsiveness.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 deep and pleasant sound profile that is described as subdued. This means that the sound produced when typing on these switches is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound and is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Honey linear switch is best known for its smooth and creamy typing experience. It offers a silky sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It is also described as frictionless, allowing for a fluid travel while typing. Additionally, the Honey linear switch has a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It is described as mild and polished, offering a smooth and refined finish similar to the Honey linear switch. With these switches, the sound and feel are approachable to most, as they stand in a safe middle-ground zone.
Overall, both the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer positive subjective qualities. They provide smooth and refined typing experiences, with the Honey linear switch offering a more creamy and frictionless feel, while the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a gentle and mild typing experience. In terms of sound, the Honey linear switch has a subdued profile, while the Light Tactile switch has a neutral profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user. However, it's important to keep in mind that the information provided is subjective and may vary depending on individual factors such as keycap and keyboard board choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing experience, then the Honey switch would be a great choice for you. The deep and pleasant sound profile of the Honey switch adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force and a super gentle tactility, the Durock Light Tactile switch is a perfect option. The angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Both switches have their own sound and feel characteristics, with the Honey switch described as subdued in sound and creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished in feel, and the Light Tactile switch described as neutral and polished in both sound and feel. Consider your preferences and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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