TTC Honey vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and Gateron Lunar Probe both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The TTC Honey is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe boasts Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, as well as a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation. While the Honey switch is described as subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, the Lunar Probe does not have specific categories listed. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Honey and the Gateron Lunar Probe both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may provide a different typing experience.
The difference in housing materials between the Honey and the Lunar Probe leads to distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While the polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a similar sharp and crisp sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Lunar Probe offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in sound profiles can affect the overall satisfaction of the user, depending on their preference for a sharper or deeper typing experience. Additionally, the impact of the housing material on the sound when pressing down on a key versus releasing it will vary between the two switches due to the difference in materials used for their top and bottom housings.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. The TTC Honey and the Gateron Lunar Probe showcase the impact of using polycarbonate and nylon in their top and bottom housings. While both switches share the advantages of a polycarbonate top housing, the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the preference for a sharper or deeper sound profile will dictate which switch is more suitable for individual users.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lunar Probe switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the actuation force of the Lunar Probe is slightly heavier than the Honey, but both have the same bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Honey switch may be the better option, while those who enjoy a slightly stronger push feel may prefer the Lunar Probe. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm. Gamers may prefer the Lunar Probe switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Honey switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key press depth and 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 Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
The TTC Honey linear switch offers a smooth and creamy feel, providing a buttery typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is known for its incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, ensuring stable and consistent keypresses with a frictionless and polished typing experience. When it comes to sound, the Honey switch produces a subdued and pleasant sound profile, while the Lunar Probe switch offers a subtle sound signature. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Honey switch may have a slightly more dampened sound compared to the Lunar Probe switch. Overall, if you enjoy a creamy and buttery feel with a subtle sound profile, the TTC Honey switch is a great choice. If you prefer a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation with a polished typing experience, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific factors like your keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, you should consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a stable and consistent keypress with an incredibly smooth and pre-lubed linear sensation, along with a subtle sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and overall experience.
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