TTC Honey vs. Durock Medium Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the Durock Medium Tactile are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless typing experience. Additionally, these switches offer a deep and pleasant sound profile, making them a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile by Durock stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility. This switch provides a satisfying feedback when typing, and its jelly-like sound signature adds to the overall typing experience. While these general descriptions might help you get an idea of what each switch offers, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

TTC Honey Linear

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Durock Medium Tactile switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either the TTC Honey or the Durock Medium Tactile switches with their polycarbonate top housings.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the TTC Honey features polycarbonate, while the Durock Medium Tactile utilizes nylon. Typing on switches with polycarbonate bottom housings will elicit a sharper and more resonant sound profile, similar to the characteristics of the top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Durock Medium Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a slight difference in the sound and feel between the bottom housing of the TTC Honey and the Durock Medium Tactile switches.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the TTC Honey and the Durock Medium Tactile switches may have different materials for their top and bottom housings, users can still expect a similar experience overall with regards to sound and feel, but with nuanced differences based on the individual housing materials used.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role. The actuation force of the Honey switch is 42 grams, while the Medium Tactile switch's actuation force is unavailable. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams, whereas the Medium Tactile switch demands 65 grams. Thus, the Honey switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Medium Tactile switch, which can be considered medium-heavy. For individuals seeking a lighter touch and prolonged typing sessions, the Honey switch would be an ideal choice. However, those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel are more likely to prefer the Medium Tactile switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common, the Honey offers a slightly shorter travel distance. This can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a sense of depth when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Honey linear switch is described as deep and pleasant, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, although further information about its sound qualities is unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Honey linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience. This sensation can be attributed to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in its construction. Typing on a Honey switch feels silky and effortless, allowing fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The Medium Tactile switch from Durock is described as having a pronounced yet balanced tactility. It falls into the category of being a "medium tactile" switch, providing a noticeable level of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. It is deemed accented, meaning it offers a certain level of tactile feedback without being scratchy. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering the available information, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, with a deep and pleasant sound profile. The Durock Medium Tactile switch, in contrast, offers a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches have a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. Although more specific details about the Medium Tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, based on its description, it can be inferred that it provides a satisfying level of tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deeper sound profile, the TTC Honey switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you desire a balanced level of tactility accompanied by a unique jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a great option.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice. With its bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a light typing experience that glides effortlessly. These switches are also known for their deep and pleasant sound profile, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it offers a more tactile typing experience without being overwhelming. These switches also have a jelly-like sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and the Durock Medium Tactile depends on your preference for weight, smoothness, and tactility.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Honey Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn more

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more