TTC Honey vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Honey and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features and advantages. The Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a deep and pleasant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro is a go-to option for budget enthusiasts, offering a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low, "thocky" sound. Its smoothness and buttery goodness make it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing, making it a versatile all-purpose switch. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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 Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in terms of the material used. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) utilizes nylon for both. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic compared to nylon, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on switches with polycarbonate housing will provide a clearer and more resonant sound, while typing on switches with nylon housing will generate a duller and rounder sound.
Aesthetically, the housing materials also vary. Polycarbonate is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows the light to shine through. On the other hand, nylon is a classic switch housing material that does not possess the same translucency as polycarbonate. Therefore, if RGB lighting is a priority, switches with polycarbonate housing like the Honey would be more suitable.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switch, the difference in housing materials between the top and bottom impacts the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it is polycarbonate or nylon, have a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing, which is also either polycarbonate or nylon, will have a more pronounced effect on the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, the type of housing material used for the top and bottom will have different effects on the typing experience and sound produced.
In summary, the TTC Honey and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) differ in their housing materials. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) uses nylon, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it suitable for RGB lighting, unlike nylon. However, the impact of the housing materials varies depending on whether they are used for the top or bottom of the switch, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Milky Yellow Pro switch would provide a slightly more resistant typing experience when fully pressed down. Overall, the Honey switch is lighter in force compared to the Milky Yellow Pro switch, making it suitable for those who value a lighter touch and extended typing sessions. However, if someone prefers a more substantial typing experience with slightly heavier forces, the Milky Yellow Pro switch would be a better choice. Despite their differences, both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out, ensuring a reliable and efficient typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch have different travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Honey falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, offering a more responsive experience, particularly favored by gamers who value faster response times. On the other hand, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a slightly deeper key press, which some users may find more comfortable or satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Honey being slightly shallower and the Milky Yellow Pro being closer to the average. Therefore, depending on their preferences for responsiveness or depth, individuals can choose the switch that suits their needs better. Ultimately, both switches will provide similar results in terms of functionality, with the only difference being the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 the sound of the TTC Honey linear switch, it is best described as subdued. This means that the sound produced when pressing the keys is dampened and subtle, offering a more muted sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound. This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound is characterized by a satisfyingly thick and deep "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy typing experience. This is achieved through factors such as factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. When typing on the Honey switch, you can expect a silky sensation and a seamless, effortless glide of your fingers across the keys. It offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Additionally, the Honey switch has a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch is also described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. However, it is worth mentioning that some users find these switches to have a textured or scratchy feel, as they exhibit noticeable friction when pressed.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch both offer specific subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch provides a subdued sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, while the Milky Yellow Pro switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound with a buttery keystroke experience. Although they differ in certain aspects, both switches deliver a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and the desired sound and feel when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a silky sensation and effortless keystrokes, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The subdued sound produced by the Honey switch is more subtle and dampened compared to most switches, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option that excels in both gaming and typing, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch would be the ideal switch for you. With a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches offer a satisfyingly thick resistance and a low, "thocky" sound. The Milky Yellow Pro embodies smoothness and buttery goodness, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The switch's bass-heavy and mellow tone adds depth and richness to the sound profile, making it perfect for users who prefer a deeper and richer sound during key presses.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Honey and Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound, the Honey switch is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers a satisfying resistance, low-pitched thocky sound, and versatile performance, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switch is an excellent choice.
Mentioned in this article
