TTC Honey vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Meteor White, both of which are linear switches. The Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a delightful typing experience. Additionally, these switches emit a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch can be described as subtle and subdued, offering a gentle linear feel that is effortless to push. With a soft and pitter-patter sound profile, typing on this switch is a tranquil experience. While these general descriptions provide a good starting point, let's delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Meteor White switches offer distinct differences in sound profile and aesthetics. The Honey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Meteor White's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, whereas the opaque nylon housing of the Meteor White switch does not allow for light transmission.
The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch shares the same qualities as its top housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. However, the bottom housing of the Meteor White switch is made of nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound profile. As with the top housings, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch is translucent, making it compatible with RGB lighting, while the opaque nylon bottom housing of the Meteor White switch does not allow for light transmission.
When comparing the overall feel and sound of the switches, the housing materials play a significant role in differentiating them. Pressing down on the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing, with the stiffer polycarbonate of the Honey switch providing a sharper impact and higher-pitched sound, while the softer nylon of the Meteor White switch offers a smoother bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced by the top housing, with the Honey's polycarbonate providing a crisper sound and the Meteor White's nylon delivering a fuller sound.
Overall, while both the TTC Honey and SP-Star Meteor White switches feature unique housing materials, they both offer distinct sound profiles and contribute differently to the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate housing of the Honey switch creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon housing of the Meteor White switch produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, if you are looking for similar results in terms of RGB compatibility and overall feel, both switches offer translucent polycarbonate top housings, making them suitable options for users who prioritize lighting or a clear sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, we find differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Honey switch is measured at 42 grams, while it is unavailable for the Meteor White switch. This means that the Honey switch requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Meteor White switch. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Honey switch is 50 grams, while the Meteor White switch has a slightly higher bottom out force of 57 grams. This makes the Honey switch lighter in terms of bottoming out compared to the Meteor White switch, which falls into the medium-light category. It is important to consider the weight of the switch when choosing a keyboard, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions, ideal for work or extensive gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the Honey and Meteor White switches, they offer similar results in terms of their force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have distinct differences in their travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Meteor White has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances as they result in faster response times. If you are someone who prioritizes quick and responsive keystrokes, the Honey switch with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice for you. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too sudden or abrupt. For those who prefer a greater sense of depth and a more substantial keystroke experience, the Meteor White switch with its slightly longer 4 mm travel distance would be more fitting. While there are differences in their travel distances, both switches offer similar results in terms of providing a shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preferences for key response and typing 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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offer different profiles. The Honey switch is best described as having a deep and pleasant sound profile, while the Meteor White switch is known for a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile. The Honey switch can be considered subdued, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. 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. Overall, while the sound profiles differ, both switches provide soft and pleasing sound experiences.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Honey linear switch and the Meteor White linear switch share common qualities. The Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience, giving a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes. It can be described as frictionless, buttery, and subtle, offering a gentle resistance and light typing feel. Additionally, the Honey switch is considered polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Meteor White switch is also described as polished, offering a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is classified as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches deliver comfortable and refined typing experiences that are approachable to most users.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have their subjective qualities in sound and feel. The Honey switch stands out for its deep and pleasant sound profile, while the Meteor White switch is known for its gentle, pitter-patter sound. In terms of feel, both switches offer smooth and refined typing experiences, providing effortless and comfortable keystrokes. They share qualities like a polished finish, reduced friction, and smooth key travel. While they have their distinct characteristics, you can expect similar results in terms of soft and pleasing sound profiles and comfortable typing experiences from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light, smooth, and creamy typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a light typing feel that is smooth and frictionless. The Honey switch is best known for its creamy and buttery type feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, its subdued sound profile offers a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing feel with a gentle and pitter-patter sound profile, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the ideal option. With a bottom out force of 57 grams, it provides a slightly more tactile experience while still maintaining a soft feel. The Meteor White switch is known for its mild and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. Its sound profile is described as neutral, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting. Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Honey and SP-Star Meteor White switches depends on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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