TTC Honey vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the TTC Honey and the KTT Semi Mute. The Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, giving users a delightful typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a deep and pleasant sound profile, enhancing the overall satisfaction while using the keyboard. On the other hand, the Semi Mute, despite its misleading name, offers a completely silent operation, making it ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. With advanced dampening technology and a linear actuation, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. Categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and neutral, they guarantee undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. However, let's delve a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the KTT Semi Mute, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This means that both switches share the same qualities and benefits that polycarbonate brings to their overall sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic gives the switches a clear and resonant sound, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting as it allows the lighting to shine through the switch effectively.
Despite these similarities, it is worth noting that the TTC Honey and the KTT Semi Mute may differ in how these housing materials are utilized. As mentioned, the bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, even though both switches share the same polycarbonate material for their top and bottom housings, the specific design and construction of each switch may result in slight variations in their sound profiles and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey and the KTT Semi Mute both incorporate polycarbonate for their top and bottom housings, offering similar benefits such as a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is also advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, due to the different mechanisms and designs of each switch, there may be slight differences in the overall sound and tactile experience between the two, with the bottom housing having more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are some notable differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, while the Semi Mute switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Honey switch will require a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch has a force of 50 grams, which is relatively light, while the Semi Mute switch has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Honey switch will provide a fairly light and responsive typing experience, whereas the Semi Mute switch will offer a slightly more substantial feel.
Weight is an important consideration when choosing between these switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Honey switch, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer periods of comfortable typing. This is particularly suitable for individuals who use their keyboards for work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Semi Mute switch, as its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a bit more resistance.
In terms of similarities, both switches have a relatively low actuation force, with only a 1 gram difference between them. This means that users can expect a similar level of responsiveness and ease of use when typing on either switch. However, it should be noted that the bottom out force of the Semi Mute switch is heavier than that of the Honey switch, providing a slightly different tactile experience when fully pressing down.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a lighter and more responsive typing experience with a lower actuation and bottom out force, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provides a slightly heavier and more substantial feel with slightly higher force requirements. Both switches cater to different user preferences, allowing individuals to choose the one that best suits their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there is a slight difference in the distance traveled. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Semi Mute has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Honey has a slightly shallower feel when pressing down on a key compared to the Semi Mute. In terms of traditional travel distances, both of these switches fall within the range of shorter distances that have become popular recently. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, so if you prioritize responsiveness, the Honey may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, the longer travel distance of the Semi Mute may be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 switch is best described as a subdued switch. This means that it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is classified as a muted switch. This type of switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Moreover, the Semi Mute switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing preferences and environments. 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.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Honey and the KTT Semi Mute switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides a silky, fluid, and effortless typing sensation, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Semi Mute switch is also described as buttery in terms of feel. Additionally, it is classified as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Overall, both switches aim to provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation with their smooth and refined finishes.
Taking into account the available information, the TTC Honey and the KTT Semi Mute switches share some qualities. Both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, resulting in a comfortable and gratifying feel. However, they differ in terms of their sound profiles, with the Honey switch being more subdued and the Semi Mute switch being more muted. If you're looking for a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions, the Semi Mute switch would be a better choice. Nonetheless, both switches can deliver similar results in terms of feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Honey and the KTT Semi Mute switches would depend on your specific preferences for sound and your desired level of noise reduction.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are a few factors to consider. The Honey is a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light and effortless typing experience. It is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, making it feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Additionally, it offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Semi Mute has a slightly higher bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a medium typing feel. It is tailor-made for those who prefer a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. The Semi Mute features advanced dampening technology, resulting in a gratifying typing experience. It is described as providing a muted sound, which is softer and quieter than regular mechanical switches. Ultimately, if you prioritize a light and creamy typing feel with a more subtle sound profile, the Honey switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late nights, the Semi Mute switch would be more suitable. Consider your preferences and requirements when selecting between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience for yourself.