TTC Honey vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and TTC Silent Brown are two popular options to consider. The Honey switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a frictionless typing experience. Additionally, users can enjoy a deep and pleasant sound profile while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. What sets it apart is the muted sound profile, which is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In general, the Honey switch leans towards a subdued and buttery feel, while the Silent Brown switch offers a mild and polished tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Brown switches have some similarities, as they both use polycarbonate in their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. The Silent Brown, however, features a nylon bottom housing instead. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer and more sound-absorbing nature. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
The difference in bottom housings between the TTC Honey and Silent Brown switches can greatly affect the typing experience. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the sound and feel of the bottom-out action. Its stiffness provides a clear and resonant sound profile, and the switch feels crisp and sharp when pressed down. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, creating a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. The tactile experience of the Silent Brown may feel slightly less snappy compared to the Honey, but it offers a quieter and more rounded typing sensation.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the TTC Honey and Silent Brown switches, the impact of each housing material is felt in their respective areas. When releasing a key, the sound is influenced more by the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate in both switches. This means that despite the difference in their bottom housings, the sound produced when letting go of a key will be similar in both the Honey and Silent Brown. However, when pressing down on a key, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the sound and feel of the switch. This distinction allows for variety in the typing experience between the two switches, making them suitable for different preferences and scenarios.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are significant differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 42 grams, meaning it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Silent Brown switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Honey switch more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer periods of time without fatigue.
In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch has a lighter force of 50 grams, while the Silent Brown switch has a medium-heavy force of 63.5 grams. Bottoming out refers to pressing the key all the way down, and the heavier force of the Silent Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Overall, if a user desires a lighter and smoother typing experience, the TTC Honey linear switch would be the preferable choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, for individuals who crave a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch with its slightly higher actuation and significantly heavier bottom out force would be a more suitable option.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. This is the distance that can be felt when a key is pressed. Comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, indicating that they offer a similar tactile experience. The distance traveled by both switches is equal, ensuring that users can expect comparable results when typing or gaming. Whether one prefers the linear feel of the Honey or the tactile feedback of the Silent Brown, the travel distance remains consistent, offering a familiar experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 having a deep and pleasant sound profile. Although not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them perfect for minimizing noise in shared spaces. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience. This can be attributed to either lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on these switches is akin to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. The Honey switch is also described as frictionless, meaning it minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a fluid travel. Additionally, it has a subtle and polished characteristic, providing a gentle resistance that still maintains a light typing feel, along with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a buttery and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, allowing for seamless and effortless typing. In terms of feel, the Silent Brown switches fall into the mild category, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities all stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable and comfortable for most users.
In conclusion, while the TTC Honey and TTC Silent Brown switches have slightly different sound and feel qualities, both offer pleasant experiences for typists. The Honey switch delivers a smoother and creamier feel with a subdued sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more subtle and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch provides a buttery feel with a muted sound profile, perfect for users who prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience. Depending on personal preference and desired characteristics, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience. If similar results are desired, opting for either switch can lead to comparable outcomes in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy feel, the Honey switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a silky sensation and a deep, pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown switch would be more suitable. These switches provide a satisfying resistance and a muted sound profile, minimizing noise. Overall, both switches offer a buttery and polished typing experience, but the Honey switch is known for its subdued sound, while the Silent Brown switch is known for its muted sound. Therefore, carefully consider your preferences and priorities to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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