TTC Honey vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the TTC Honey and the KTT Mallo. The Honey is known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile, categorizing it as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Mallo is praised for its subtle tactility and finesse in design, offering a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, placing it in the categories of 'Feathery', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Stepped', 'Subdued', and 'Subtle'. While the Honey provides a more buttery and refined typing experience, the Mallo offers a balanced feedback with a versatile sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and KTT Mallo switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity in the sound produced. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. However, the TTC Honey differs in its bottom housing material, also made of polycarbonate, while the KTT Mallo uses nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, the TTC Honey and KTT Mallo switches offer different sound profiles due to their choice of bottom housing materials. The TTC Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing in creating a clear and resonant sound, while the KTT Mallo's nylon bottom housing enhances the sound with a deeper and fuller tone. This difference in bottom housing materials allows users to experience a unique typing and sound experience with each switch. While both switches may feature polycarbonate top housing for similar sound characteristics, the choice of bottom housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing material of a switch impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the housing materials of the TTC Honey and KTT Mallo switches not only affect the sound profile but also the tactile feedback and typing experience for users. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches delivers a crisp and sharp sound, while the difference in bottom housing materials between the two switches offers a varied sound experience. Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is evident that the Honey is the lighter of the two. The Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Mallo has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The Honey offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. In contrast, the Mallo provides a slightly heavier feel, making it better suited for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance when typing. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Honey being lighter and the Mallo being medium-light in terms of force required for keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey. The 0.2mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the switch feels when typing or gaming. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Honey may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to it, the Mallo may be the way to go. Both switches offer their own unique feel and can cater to different preferences in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and how you like your typing or gaming experience to feel.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 is known for its smooth and creamy feel, giving typists a luxurious typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a gentle tactility that provides just the right amount of feedback without being overpowering. When it comes to sound, the Honey switch produces a deep and pleasant sound profile, while the Mallo switch has a neutral sound signature that blends well in various typing environments. As for feel, the Honey switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Mallo switch provides a feathery and mild typing feel, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Honey switch excels in providing a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, while the Mallo switch offers a gentle tactility and a versatile neutral sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for either a more luxurious and creamy typing feel or a lighter and gentler tactile feedback. Regardless of the choice, typists can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is important to consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy feel with a light bottom out force, the Honey switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility with a medium-light bottom out force and a versatile sound signature, the Mallo switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your desired typing feel and sound profile. Choose the Honey for a smooth and light typing experience, or opt for the Mallo for a balanced and tactile feedback. Consider your preferences and typing environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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