TTC Honey vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices that are worth considering are the TTC Honey and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The Honey switches are known for their smooth and creamy feel, providing a delightful typing experience. Additionally, these switches offer a deep and pleasant sound profile, further enhancing the overall satisfaction of using them. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemons are often described as a lovely representation of what a linear switch can be. With their progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience that is hard to resist. While the Honey switches are categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Sea Salt Lemons are characterized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. Overall, both switches have distinct qualities that make them attractive options for different types of keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The TTC Honey and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon keyboards both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more precise and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard. Therefore, both the Honey and the Sea Salt Lemon will provide similar results in terms of sound and lighting aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, the differences arise when considering the bottom housing of these two keyboards. The Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile. With its relatively stiffer nature, the polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, resulting in a sharp and precise typing experience. The Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, incorporates a nylon bottom housing. This classic material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing creates a slightly duller and rounder sound, offering a different acoustic experience from the polycarbonate-based Honey.
When pressing down on the keys, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a distinct impact and sound during the bottom-out phase, emphasizing its stiffer nature. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a softer and more cushioned bottom-out experience, thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. On the other hand, when releasing the keys, the influence of the top housing becomes more pronounced. Both keyboards' polycarbonate top housing will play a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile.
In summary, while both the TTC Honey and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon keyboards share a polycarbonate top housing, their bottom housings differ. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing emphasizes a clear and resonant sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. With these distinctions, the keyboards offer unique auditory experiences during both the pressing and releasing of keys. Despite their differences, both keyboards will still provide similar results in terms of the sound and lighting effects generated by their polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon 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, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires a slightly higher force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Honey switch would be a suitable choice as it offers a lower actuation force and bottom out force. This allows for effortless and swift keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, with its higher actuation and bottom out force. This can give users a stronger push feel, which some individuals prefer for a more pronounced typing feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. Those looking for a lighter option may lean towards the TTC Honey switch, while those in search of a slightly more substantial typing experience may opt for the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch. Both switches offer their unique characteristics, allowing users to achieve their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a travel distance of 4 mm. It can be said that both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. In this case, the Honey switch would be the preferable option. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness or a more pronounced key press.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 TTC Honey linear switch is best described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. It offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is low-pitched, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone. It has a more neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings, whether at home or work. 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.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience. This switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation, as if gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It provides a seamless and uniform typing feel, thanks to its polished finish and factory lubrication. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a mild typing experience, more gentle and approachable compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. While the specific qualities of the Sea Salt Lemon switch are not explicitly described, it can be inferred that it provides a comfortable and safe typing experience for most users.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as its deep and pleasant sound profile. It offers a frictionless and polished typing experience, making every keystroke effortless and fluid. The KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, on the other hand, represents a lovely example of what a linear switch can be, with its progressive spring and dry-lube design providing a buttery smooth typing experience. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Sea Salt Lemon switch are not fully described, it can be assumed that it offers a more subtle and approachable experience. Overall, both switches provide excellent options for those looking for a satisfying linear switch, with each offering its own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light switch with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the TTC Honey linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a light and effortless typing feel. The Honey is known for its deep and pleasant sound profile, offering a subdued sound that is not too loud or intrusive.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers a slightly stronger typing feel compared to the Honey. The Sea Salt Lemon features a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, creating a frictionless and seamless keystroke experience.
In terms of sound, the Honey switch offers a more subtle and dampened sound when pressed, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, providing a soothing typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Honey switch offers a range of descriptors including creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These qualities contribute to a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as mild, providing a gentle and approachable typing experience that most people would find comfortable.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy feel, go for the Honey. If you prefer a slightly stronger switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is the way to go. Consider the sound and feel qualities described above to make the best decision for your typing needs.
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