TTC Honey vs. Cherry MX Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey, a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch. The Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy type feel, offering a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Additionally, these switches feature a deep and pleasant sound profile, making them a great choice for those who prefer a subtle and polished keyboard. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches are characterized by their subtlety. They provide a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. The Cherry MX Browns are preferred by users who appreciate a textured feel, along with a bassy and low-pitched sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Honey Linear

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing material of the TTC Honey, polycarbonate, creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Brown's nylon housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a more clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the nylon housing of the MX Brown elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the differences in housing materials between the two switches contribute to distinct sound profiles.

The differences extend to the bottom housing as well. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the TTC Honey contributes to its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, just like its top housing. The stiffness of polycarbonate plays a significant role in creating a clear and resonant sound when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the MX Brown complements its overall sound profile by offering a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less sharp bottom-out sound.

When comparing the qualities each housing material brings to the switch, it is important to note that the bottom and top housings play different roles. While pressing down on a switch, you will primarily feel the qualities of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The difference between the polycarbonate and nylon housings is particularly evident in this aspect. However, when letting go of a key, the impact of the top housing becomes more prominent in terms of sound. Therefore, even though the top and bottom housings differ in material, they together contribute to the overall sound experience of the switch.

In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Honey and Cherry MX Brown switches, namely polycarbonate and nylon, respectively, create distinct sound profiles. Polycarbonate offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate provides clarity and resonance, while the softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a smoother sound experience. However, it's important to note that the impact of each housing material differs depending on whether one is pressing down on a key or letting go of it. Overall, the housing materials of these switches contribute to their unique sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is slightly lighter than the MX Brown's actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Honey switch requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force, while the MX Brown switch requires 55 grams. This indicates that the MX Brown switch has a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey switch would be a suitable choice as it has a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This lighter weight allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for tasks that require extended keyboard use, such as work or gaming. On the other hand, if someone prefers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may prefer the MX Brown switch with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.

It's important to note that while there are differences in the actuation and bottom out forces, both switches still fall within the range of being relatively light and provide a comfortable typing experience. So, for those who are not concerned about slight variations in force, using either switch would yield similar results in terms of typing comfort and performance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the MX Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. Although the variance is minimal, it is worth noting that the MX Brown switch has a slightly longer travel distance. Traditionally, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered standard, while 3.0 mm is considered shallow. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Honey switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the MX Brown. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference for either a shallower or more hearty typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Honey linear switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a silky sensation when typing. This can be attributed to the lubricant applied in the switch at the factory and the specific materials used. It offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, the Honey switch has a subtle resistance, maintaining a light typing feel.

In terms of sound, the Honey switch produces a subdued sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as bassy and low-pitched. It offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that the TTC Honey linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have distinct qualities. The Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound, while the MX Brown switch offers a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy sound. Depending on your preference, both switches can deliver enjoyable typing experiences. If you are looking for a smoother and more subtle experience, the Honey switch would be a suitable choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a slightly textured tactile feedback and a richer sound profile, the MX Brown switch would be a great option.

Conclusion

In closing, if you are looking for a light and smooth typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a creamy and frictionless feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The subdued sound of the Honey switch makes it suitable for shared spaces, ensuring a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier typing feel, the Cherry MX Brown switch would be the way to go. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it provides a gentle tactile feedback while still maintaining a relatively light typing experience. The MX Brown switch offers a textured feel, which some users may prefer for a more noticeable friction during key presses. Additionally, the MX Brown switch produces a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding depth and richness to your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and level of tactility.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Honey Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Brown Tactile

$4.00 per 10

Learn more