TTC Honey vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Kailh Plum 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 Kailh Plum. The TTC Honey is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a delightful typing experience. It also boasts a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum stands out for its unique characteristics. Despite feeling hefty, it doesn't have a pronounced tactile bump like many other tactile switches, giving it a distinct feel. The Plum's sound profile is also neutral and enjoyable. Both switches have their merits, and choosing the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the most informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Honey and the Kailh Plum switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice brings about similar qualities in terms of sound profile, as polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the clear nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for those looking to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the transmission of light. Therefore, both the Honey and Plum switches will provide a clear and resonant sound profile with the added bonus of visual aesthetics if RGB lighting is incorporated.
While the top housings of these switches share similarities, their bottom housings differ significantly. The Honey switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile and feel when pressing down on keys. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Conversely, the Kailh Plum utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housings of the Honey and Plum switches provide distinct auditory experiences when typing.
It is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to a switch are divided between the top and bottom housing. When pressing down on either the Honey or Plum switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Honey's bottom housing will result in a sharper and more resonant bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the top housing, which is also polycarbonate for both switches, will contribute to the sound produced when releasing a key. So, while the bottom housing may differ in material between the Honey and Plum, the top housing will provide similar results in terms of the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. In comparison, the actuation force of the Plum switch is unavailable, but it is safe to assume that it may be heftier due to being a tactile switch. As for bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to its actuation force. On the other hand, the Plum switch has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more pronounced push feel. These differences suggest that the Honey switch is lighter overall, making it suitable for those looking for a smoother, gentler typing experience. Meanwhile, the Plum switch is likely to be heavier, appealing to those who prefer a more robust and satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Plum has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Gamers, in particular, prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, then the Honey switch with its 3.8 mm travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a deeper key press, then the Plum switch with its slightly longer 3.6 mm travel distance would be a better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preference for travel distance and the level of responsiveness you desire.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
The TTC Honey linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a typing experience that is like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. It offers a subtle resistance and a gentle typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. The sound profile of the Honey switch is described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. It is not completely silent, but it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The overall experience with the Honey switch is smooth, effortless, and uniform.
On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is quite unique in terms of feel. It feels hefty but does not feature a large tactile bump, setting it apart from many other tactile switches. It offers a more mild and gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Plum switch has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages to the keystroke, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The sound profile of the Plum switch is described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner, advanced user, or planning to use it at home or work.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Honey and Plum switches offer different subjective qualities. The Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy feel with a subdued sound profile, while the Plum switch feels hefty with a mild tactile bump and a neutral sound profile. Both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience, but they cater to different preferences. If you prefer the smooth and creamy feel with a more subtle sound, the Honey switch would be the preferred choice. If you prefer a heavier feel with a mild tactile bump and a neutral sound, the Plum switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force, the Honey with its 50-gram force may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch, the Plum with its 70-gram force might be a better fit.
In terms of sound, the Honey offers a subdued sound profile, which means it produces a dampened sound when pressed. This can be desirable if you prefer a more subtle and less noisy typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used in various environments.
In terms of feel, the Honey switches are described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. This means they provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction. The Plum switches, on the other hand, are described as mild and stepped. They offer a more gentle typing experience compared to other switches, with a slight tactile bump that is not too pronounced.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smoother feel and a subdued sound, the Honey might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a more gentle tactile bump and a neutral sound, the Plum could be the right choice. Consider your typing style, desired sound profile, and preferred level of tactile feedback when making your decision.
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