TTC Honey vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Gateron Oil King. The Honey switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, providing a delightful typing experience. These switches also offer a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall satisfaction while using them. On the other hand, the Oil King switches are easily a fan favorite due to their buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. These switches are known for their low-pitched and silky feel, further enhancing the typing experience. Both switches share similarities such as being creamy and having a polished finish, but offer their own unique characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The TTC Honey and the Gateron Oil King differ in their housing materials for both the top and bottom housings of the switch. The Honey features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Oil King utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound profile showcases the difference between the two switch options.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Honey utilizes polycarbonate as well, resulting in a similar sound profile to its top housing. The stiffer plastic once again contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Moreover, the clear and translucent nature of polycarbonate is aesthetically appealing and complements the top housing if RGB lighting is used. On the other hand, the Oil King employs a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This INK blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as satisfyingly thin and clacky. The difference in bottom housings provides contrasting sound experiences when pressing down on the switches.
Overall, the differing housing materials in the TTC Honey and the Gateron Oil King result in distinct sound profiles. The Honey's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, both in the top and bottom housings. On the other hand, the Oil King's nylon top housing and proprietary INK blend bottom housing offer a deeper, fuller, and clackier sound. However, in terms of aesthetics and the impact on key release sound, both switches share similarities. Both switches utilize a clear, translucent housing for their top housing, which is beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting. Furthermore, the impact on the sound when releasing a key is more influenced by the top housing, regardless of the material used.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, there are notable 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 lighter touch. In contrast, the Oil King switch requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams, providing a slightly stronger push feel when typing.
Similarly, when examining the bottom out force, the Honey switch has a lighter force of 50 grams, allowing for a softer landing when pressing the keys all the way down. In comparison, the Oil King switch requires a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, delivering a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing the keys.
Overall, the Honey switch offers a lighter and softer typing experience, which may be preferable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch or need to type for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Oil King switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial feel, ideal for those who desire a stronger push or enjoy a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have contrasting travel distances. The Honey has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Oil King has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Honey's travel distance falls on the shallower end of the spectrum, making it suitable for those who prefer a shorter and more responsive keystroke. Gamers, in particular, often opt for shorter travel distances to achieve faster response times. On the other hand, the Oil King offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prioritizes speed or a more pronounced keystroke depth. Both switches, however, offer similar results in terms of their linear movement, making them viable options depending on individual user preferences.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When comparing the subjective qualities of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, the sound profiles of the two switches are distinctly different. The Honey switch produces a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Oil King switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. These switches offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, both switches share similar qualities. The Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. This indicates that it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction and providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similarly, the Oil King switch is also described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. Thus, it also offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with enhanced smoothness and minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Based on the available information, it is evident that both the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch have similarities in terms of feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. However, the sound profiles are noticeably different, with the Honey switch having a more subdued sound and the Oil King switch having a low-pitched and bassy sound.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer different subjective qualities. The Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel as well as a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Oil King switch provides a buttery smoothness in feel and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, but with distinct sound characteristics. Overall, it is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Honey switch may be the better choice for you. Additionally, the Honey switch offers a pleasant sound profile and a more subtle sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the Oil King switch may be more appealing. The Oil King switch also provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness to your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer smooth and polished typing experiences, but consider factors such as bottom out force and sound profile to make the best decision for your specific needs.
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