TTC Honey vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, two popular options are the TTC Honey, a linear switch, and the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch. The Honey switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, creating a typing experience that is both subdued and buttery. Additionally, it produces a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding a subtle and polished touch to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience. With a heavier weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness, typing on the Sage switch feels invigorating and crunchy. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
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 housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Kailh Sage share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing is particularly useful for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users of both the TTC Honey and Kailh Sage can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal when it comes to the top housing of these switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Honey uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile when the switch is bottomed out. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a sharper and more pronounced sound upon impact. In contrast, the Sage utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. Therefore, the bottom housing of these switches provides contrasting effects on the overall sound experience.
When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing's qualities become evident in the bottom-out sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt during this stage of typing. On the other hand, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, although the top and bottom housings of the TTC Honey and Kailh Sage may share similar qualities in terms of their sound profiles, it is important to consider the impact of these different housing materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role. The TTC Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light in terms of force required. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch does not disclose its specific actuation force, and thus it remains unknown. However, its bottom out force is 70 grams, indicating a medium-heavy force requirement.
Considering weight is crucial for different reasons. For those who value a lighter feel, such as individuals who spend long hours typing or gaming, the TTC Honey switch with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces would be a suitable option. This lightweight feature allows for extended typing without causing fatigue. On the contrary, some users prefer a stronger push feel to enhance their typing experience. For such individuals, the Kailh Sage switch, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, would provide a more substantial typing experience.
While the actuation force for the Kailh Sage switch is unknown, it is clear that its bottom out force is heavier than that of the TTC Honey switch. Therefore, those who prefer a heavier typing feel may opt for the Kailh Sage switch due to its higher force requirement. However, for users seeking similar results to the Kailh Sage switch, they can achieve a comparable experience with the TTC Honey switch by pressing harder to reach a heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of traditional standards, both switches fall within the range of a shorter travel distance, which is becoming increasingly popular in keyboards today. Gamers especially tend to prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Honey switch would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In that case, if you prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Kailh Sage switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better option.
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 Sage 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
In terms of sound, the Honey switch provides a subdued and dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Sage switch produces a distinct and crunchy sound, similar to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. This clicky switch is known for its refreshingly sharp clickiness. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Honey switch is best described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, reminiscent of gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The switch's smooth and refined finish reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience. With its gentle resistance, it maintains a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Sage switch is invigorating and sharp. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. The strong and crisp tactile bump of the Sage switch can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Honey linear switch focuses on providing a smooth and creamy typing experience. It features a deep and pleasant sound profile, offering a subdued and dampened sound when pressed. The switch feels creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, allowing for a seamless and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience, with a heavy weight and a refreshingly sharp clickiness. The switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. While they differ in sound and feel, both switches excel in their respective qualities. Therefore, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Honey switch would be a great choice, while the Sage switch would be ideal if you prefer a distinct clicky feel with pronounced feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound, the TTC Honey linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them light and easy to actuate. The Honey switches offer a creamy and frictionless feel, gliding effortlessly under your fingertips with each keystroke. Additionally, they produce a deep and pleasant sound profile that is not too loud or obtrusive. On the other hand, if you enjoy a heavier and clicky typing experience with a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is your best bet. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, the Sage switches provide a more substantial and invigorating feel. They offer a refreshingly crisp and crunchy clickiness that adds excitement to your typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and Kailh Sage switches depends on your preference for typing feel and sound.
Mentioned in this article
