TTC Honey vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the TTC Honey and the KTT Orange. The Honey switch is highly regarded for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a typing experience that is both subdued and buttery. With a deep and pleasant sound profile, this switch is perfect for those who value a polished and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switch boasts a bouncy feel, aided by its 22mm long spring. Its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vibrant orange nylon bottom housing provide a slick and frictionless typing experience. Additionally, the Orange switch's low-pitched sound profile adds to its appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for the TTC Honey and KTT Orange switches are both made of polycarbonate, which offers similar advantages for sound profiles and aesthetics. Due to the translucency of polycarbonate, it is an excellent choice for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. In terms of sound, the relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant sound when typing.
However, when it comes to the specific placement of the polycarbonate housing, there is a difference between the Honey and Orange switches. The Honey switch features polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, while the Orange switch also utilizes polycarbonate in both housings. This means that the qualities brought by the polycarbonate material are evenly distributed between the top and bottom of the Honey switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch and the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, the polycarbonate material in the Orange switch contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when letting go of a key.
Overall, the housing materials of both the TTC Honey and KTT Orange switches provide similar advantages in terms of sound and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the translucency of the material allows for attractive RGB lighting effects. Whether utilizing the Honey's or Orange's polycarbonate housing, the typing experience is likely to result in clear, crisp sounds and a satisfying feel when pressing down and releasing keys.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, one noticeable difference is their actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Honey has a light actuation force of 42 grams, while the KTT Orange requires a slightly heavier push with its actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the TTC Honey is 50 grams, whereas the KTT Orange exerts a medium-light 53 grams.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions may opt for the Honey switch. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience, the KTT Orange would be a suitable choice. Its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, allowing for a more tactile and satisfying typing sensation.
In terms of similarities, both switches offer a linear keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. Additionally, despite the variances in their actuation and bottom out forces, both switches fall within the lightweight to medium-light range. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of lightness and ease of use across both switches.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch can be compared and contrasted based on the information provided. The Honey has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Honey being closer to the average 4.0 mm and the Orange being slightly more shallow at 3.5 mm.
In terms of preference, gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times during gaming sessions. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness in your keyboard usage, the shorter travel distance of the Orange switch would be a more suitable choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel too abrupt or shallow, and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial typing experience. In that case, the Honey switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better option.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch depends on individual preferences. Whether one prefers a shorter or longer travel distance, both switches offer options that cater to different typing needs.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 is best known for its subdued sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent, but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch has a low-pitched sound profile. This type of switch typically has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Honey being more subdued and the Orange being low-pitched.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its creamy and smooth typing experience. These switches have lubricant applied at the factory, resulting in a buttery sensation when typing. The keys effortlessly glide under your fingers, offering a seamless and uniform typing experience. The Honey switch is also described as frictionless and polished, providing reduced resistance and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a bouncy feel. With a 22mm long spring, these switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. They have a lively feel and offer rebound when pressed. Additionally, like the Honey switch, the Orange switch is also described as frictionless, offering smooth and effortless typing. Overall, the Honey switch offers a creamy and polished feel, while the Orange switch provides a bouncy typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch has a more subdued sound profile, while the Orange switch is low-pitched with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. In terms of feel, the Honey switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, while the Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferences. However, if a user is looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, they can achieve similar results with either switch due to their frictionless nature.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between TTC Honey linear switches and KTT Orange linear switches depends on your personal preferences for key force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Honey with 50 grams might be more suitable for you, while the Orange with 53 grams provides a slightly firmer touch.
If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Honey switches are well-known for offering a silky sensation. They have a deep and pleasant sound profile, although it is described as subdued. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing feel, the Orange switches come with a 22mm long spring and provide a slick, frictionless typing experience. They have a low-pitched sound profile, which emphasizes a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Both switches offer a frictionless and smooth typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Honey is also described as creamy, buttery, subtle, and polished, while the Orange is described as bouncy and frictionless.
Ultimately, the choice between TTC Honey linear switches and KTT Orange linear switches comes down to your preferred key force, sound, and feel. Consider your typing preferences and the specific qualities each switch offers in order to make an informed decision.
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