TTC Honey vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a smooth and pleasant typing experience, both the TTC Honey and Durock Piano switches are great options to consider. The Honey switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, offering a subdued and polished experience. Additionally, these switches produce a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches stand out for their proprietary material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant linear switch typing experiences. Users often describe a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While these generalities provide a good starting point for choosing a switch, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision based on your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Honey and the Durock Piano exhibit some notable differences and similarities. The Honey utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Furthermore, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound characteristic. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of this blend are unknown, it produces a distinctive sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Honey and the Piano offer their own variations. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Honey contributes to the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, much like its top housing counterpart. Similarly, the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano enhances the overall sound experience, although the specifics of the blend are undisclosed. It is worth noting that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on the key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key.
While the specific materials may differ between the Honey and the Piano, they both strive to deliver an exceptional sound profile. The polycarbonate housing of the Honey provides a clear, resonant, and visually appealing option, particularly for those interested in RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM blend housing of the Piano offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound experience, although the exact details of the blend remain unknown. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on one's personal preferences for sound and aesthetic qualities.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have distinct differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Honey switch is 42 grams, while the actuation force for the Piano switch is unavailable. However, the bottom out force of the Honey switch is 50 grams, whereas the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
In regards to weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Honey switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively low. This lighter weight allows for longer typing sessions, making it suitable for work or gaming. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial and forceful typing experience may lean towards the Piano switch, with its heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
It is worth noting that the actuation force for the Piano switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect with the Honey switch. However, based on the provided information, if one desires a lighter typing experience, the Honey switch would likely result in similar results to the Piano switch, as the 42 grams actuation force is relatively low.
Overall, the Honey switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Piano switch is heavier, particularly in terms of bottom out force. The weight preference ultimately depends on individual typing preferences, with some seeking lighter switches for extended typing sessions, and others desiring a stronger push feel for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Piano has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0 mm being the most common. However, in recent times, there has been a growing preference for shorter travel distances, particularly among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive feel, the shorter Honey switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a deeper key press. In such cases, the Piano switch with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on whether a quicker response or a more substantial feel is desired.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 when pressed. It produces a dampened sound compared to most switches, creating a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch has a bassy sound profile. The key presses offer a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, 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.
When it comes to the feel, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a range of qualities. It is described as creamy, indicating a smooth and buttery typing experience. This could be due to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on a creamy switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the next. Additionally, the Honey switch is also described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It is also considered subtle, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the Honey switch can be described as polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is also described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, it is referred to as silky, which enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In summary, both the TTC Honey and Durock Piano linear switches offer desirable qualities based on the available information. They both provide a smooth and creamy typing experience with frictionless and effortless key presses. However, the Honey switch has a more subdued sound profile, while the Piano switch offers a bassy sound. Overall, if you prefer a quieter switch, the Honey would be a good choice, while the Piano would be suitable for those who appreciate a deeper and richer sound. It's important to consider personal preferences and the other components of your keyboard setup when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the force required to bottom out the keys. The Honey has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing. On the other hand, the Piano has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience.
In terms of sound, the Honey switch offers a subdued sound profile that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. The Piano switch, on the other hand, produces a deep and rich sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness of bass tones.
When it comes to feel, the Honey switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, and buttery typing experience. It offers a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. The Piano switch also offers a frictionless and smooth typing feel, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and Durock Piano linear switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch and a more subtle sound, the Honey switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch and a deep, rich sound, the Piano switch would be a better fit. Consider experimenting with both switches to find the one that provides the most enjoyable typing experience for you.
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