TTC Honey vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Honey and Cherry Nixie both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Honey switch is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless and buttery typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its substantial weight and textured typing sensation, offering a low-pitched thocky sound. While the Honey switch is categorized as subdued, creamy, and polished, the Nixie switch is categorized as textured and low-pitched. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Cherry Nixie, it is evident that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Honey utilizes a polycarbonate material for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Nixie features a nylon top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound. While both switches cater to different sound preferences, the polycarbonate material in the Honey offers a clearer and resonant sound, while the nylon material in the Nixie provides a more rounded sound profile.
Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of the two switches also differs based on their housing materials. The translucent polycarbonate material of the Honey allows for RGB lighting to enhance the overall look of the switch. In contrast, the classic nylon material of the Nixie provides a more traditional appearance without the ability to showcase RGB lighting. Despite their differences in appearance, both switches aim to offer a unique typing experience with their distinct sound profiles dictated by the choice of housing material.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Honey and the Cherry Nixie ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound profile and aesthetic appeal. While the polycarbonate housing of the Honey delivers a sharper and crisper sound, the nylon housing of the Nixie offers a deeper and fuller typing experience. Regardless of these differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the Honey is lighter while the Nixie is heavier. The actuation force of the Honey is 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Nixie requires 63.5 grams for actuation. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Honey is 50 grams, indicating a lighter typing experience when pressing all the way down, compared to the Nixie which bottoms out at 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may opt for the Honey, while individuals seeking a heavier push for a more solid typing experience may lean towards the Nixie. Overall, weight plays a crucial role in determining the typing experience and preference of users when choosing between these two linear switches.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Nixie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Honey. The difference may not be significant, but it could impact the overall feel and response of the keyboard. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Honey, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Nixie. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, making them suitable for various preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 subdued and dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for producing a deep, rich, and satisfying "thocky" sound. Additionally, the Nixie switch features a low-pitched tone, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Honey linear switch is praised for its creamy and buttery typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless sensation when typing. These switches are described as frictionless and buttery, providing a polished and refined feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is characterized by its textured typing experience, featuring noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer the subtle texture of the Nixie switch, while others might lean towards a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Honey switch provides a subdued sound and a creamy typing feel, the Nixie switch delivers a deep and rich "thocky" sound with a textured typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches are high-quality options that will undoubtedly enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Honey linear switch or the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth, creamy feel with a more subdued sound profile, you may lean towards the TTC Honey switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a textured, thocky typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Cherry Nixie switch may be more appealing to you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and strengths, so it's important to consider what factors matter most to you in your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your individual preferences and typing style.
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