TTC Honey vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options to choose from, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. Two switches that stand out in the market are the TTC Honey, a linear switch, and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, a tactile switch. On one hand, the Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a frictionless typing experience. Additionally, its deep and pleasant sound profile creates a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches are characterized by their exquisite gentleness, providing a soft and seductive tactility. With a neutral sound profile, they offer a pleasantly mild typing experience. 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
57g
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
Nylon
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 the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches differ in terms of the polycarbonate and nylon used. The polycarbonate top housing of the Honey creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This material is particularly suitable for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effect. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound profile. So, while the Honey offers a more distinct and resonant sound, the Meteor Orange provides a more mellow and rounded typing experience.
Similarly, when it comes to the bottom housing, the polycarbonate material used in the Honey switch contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, just like in the top housing. This uniformity in housing material ensures consistency in sound and feel throughout the switch. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Meteor Orange results in a deeper and fuller sound, providing a different bottom-out sensation compared to the Honey. Therefore, the housing material of the bottom impacts the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, making the Meteor Orange switches deliver a more substantial tactile feedback during typing.
While the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches differ, there are similarities between their respective top and bottom housings. In both switches, the polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the polycarbonate and nylon bottom housings provide the same qualities as their corresponding top housings, resulting in consistent sound and feel within each switch. Therefore, regardless of the specific switch, both the Honey and Meteor Orange housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, there are some noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it relatively light. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Meteor Orange switch is unknown, so it is difficult to compare it directly. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force, while the Meteor Orange switch requires 57 grams, making it slightly heavier.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Some users prefer a lighter switch, as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue, which is ideal for work or long gaming sessions. These users would find the Honey switch to be a suitable option. However, others prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. These users may prefer switches with heavier forces, such as the Meteor Orange switch.
Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches provide different typing experiences. The Honey switch offers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, resulting in a smoother and lighter typing feel. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch, with its slightly heavier bottom out force, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and typing needs. Regardless, both switches offer their own unique advantages, allowing users to achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is clear that the Honey has a shorter travel distance of 3.8mm compared to the Meteor Orange's 4mm. While both switches fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, the slight variation may be noticeable to some users. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. So, if you are looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Honey switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial depth and feel when pressing down keys might find the Meteor Orange switch with its longer travel distance more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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, which can be described as subdued. This means that the switch produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, which is moderate in volume. However, it is also described as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience. This is achieved through the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials, resulting in a silky sensation when typing. Additionally, the Honey switch is described as frictionless and buttery, offering an effortless and uniform typing experience. It can also be considered subtle, providing a light typing feel and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle and approachable typing experience. It also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as its deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is characterized by its gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, with hints of a thocky sound. While the switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, thanks to their respective finishes. Therefore, if you prefer a smoother and deeper sound, the Honey switch would be a great choice, while the Meteor Orange switch offers a softer and more approachable typing experience. With both switches, you can expect a high-quality feel and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them light and easy to press. The smooth and creamy feel of the Honey switch, along with a subdued sound profile, creates a silky typing sensation without being completely silent. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, the Meteor Orange provides a medium-light resistance that many find approachable. Its soft and seductive tactility offers a satisfying feedback while typing, and the switch produces a thocky sound, reminiscent of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for the level of resistance, smoothness, and sound profile during typing. Both the TTC Honey linear switch and SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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