TTC Honey vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch present intriguing options for different typing experiences. The TTC Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless and buttery typing experience accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, ideal for office settings where quiet professionalism is essential. While the TTC Honey excels in offering a polished and subdued typing experience, the Gateron Mini i stands out for its easy-to-press keys that provide satisfying feedback without the intrusive clack. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron Mini i lies in the type of plastic used. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. On the other hand, the Mini i features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials have their own advantages, polycarbonate provides a more resonant sound quality, while nylon offers a more muffled sound experience.
Despite their differences, both the Honey and the Mini i share a similar focus on sound quality in their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Honey creates a higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the Mini i produces a deeper tone. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Honey allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, whereas the opaque nature of nylon in the Mini i provides a different aesthetic appeal.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron Mini i play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of each switch. The stiffer polycarbonate used in the Honey results in a clearer and sharper sound, while the softer nylon in the Mini i creates a fuller and deeper sound. Both switches offer unique advantages in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal, showcasing how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with enhanced RGB lighting like the Honey, or a deeper tone with a classic look like the Mini i, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with minimal required force to activate a keypress. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for extended periods without fatigue. While the Honey is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, the difference is minimal and users would likely get similar results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for slight variations in actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those who prioritize fast response times. Gamers, in particular, might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gateron Mini i for quick key presses. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt, in which case the slightly longer travel distance of the TTC Honey may provide a more satisfying typing experience with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing 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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 offers a subdued sound profile that is not completely silent but still provides a more subtle auditory experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. Both switches strike a balance in sound, with the Honey being more subdued and the Mini i being neutral, ensuring that the typing experience is not disruptive in quiet environments.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless typing sensation, with reduced friction and a sleek key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped feel. These descriptors point towards a gentle and responsive typing experience, with features like spring-like feedback and a two-stage tactile feel. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable and approachable typing feel, with the Honey focusing more on smoothness and the Mini i on responsiveness.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey excels in providing a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile, catering to those who prefer a more refined and quiet typing environment. On the other hand, the Mini i strikes a balance between gentle tactility and a neutral sound level, making it suitable for a professional setting where quietness is essential. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver a satisfying keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. The light bottom out force of 50 grams coupled with its frictionless and buttery feel make it a comfortable option for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtle tactility with a gentle keystroke feedback and a muted sound profile suitable for office environments, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch might be more suited to your needs. With a similar bottom out force of 50 grams and an easy-to-press feel, this switch offers a balanced typing experience that caters to those looking for a professional yet comfortable typing solution. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and where you plan to use your mechanical keyboard.
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