TTC Honey vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Honey and the TTC Silent Red. The Honey switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a delightful typing experience. It also boasts a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall satisfaction. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch focuses on delivering a seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile, this switch is ideal for office or shared living spaces. It provides a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preference and 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 the TTC Silent Red switches share several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Honey and Silent Red switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Honey switch features a polycarbonate material while the Silent Red switch uses nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Honey's bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile, matching the qualities of the top housing. The Silent Red's nylon bottom housing, on the other hand, elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing of each switch contributes different characteristics to the overall sound experience.
These differences in bottom housing materials also impact the tactile feel of the switches. When pressing down on the switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be the stiffer and sharper feel of the Honey's polycarbonate or the softer touch of the Silent Red's nylon. Conversely, when releasing a key, the sound will be influenced more by the top housing material. Therefore, while the top housing materials of both switches may provide similar sound profiles, the bottom housing variations will result in differences in both sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Silent Red switch requires slightly more force with an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force, whereas the Silent Red switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
Considering the weight, some users may prefer a lighter actuation force like the Honey switch, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals using a keyboard for work or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force like the Silent Red switch. This provides a stronger push feel, which some find more satisfying.
While the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two switches, it is worth noting that both switches offer a smooth linear experience. In terms of actuation force, the difference of 3 grams between the Honey and Silent Red switches is relatively small, so users can expect similar results. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Silent Red switch requires significantly more force, providing a more pronounced feeling when pressing all the way down.
In summary, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a lighter actuation force and bottom out force, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a slightly heavier actuation force and a significantly heavier bottom out force. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience, with the Honey switch being preferred for its lighter feel and the Silent Red switch offering a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we can see that the Honey has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within a close range, with the Honey offering slightly more depth. In the realm of keyboard switches, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered traditional, while a 3.0 mm distance is considered shallow. However, the demand for shorter travel distances has been growing, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. Choosing the shorter option, in this case the TTC Silent Red, would result in a more responsive experience. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the TTC Honey may be preferred by those who desire a deeper and more substantial key press. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth one seeks in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 offers a subdued sound profile. Although not completely silent, it produces a dampened sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as muted, offering a softer and quieter sound. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it perfect for office or shared living space use. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps. In terms of sound, both switches offer a quieter and more subtle experience, ensuring that you won't disturb others while typing.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The keystrokes feel effortless and uniform, as if gliding across the keys with ease. The TTC Silent Red switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, mild, and polished. This suggests that it also offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, but with a more gentle typing feel. The qualities of these switches fall within a safe and approachable middle ground for most users. Both switches provide a polished and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Honey and TTC Silent Red switches offer subjective qualities that are desirable for different preferences. On the one hand, the Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy feel, with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a smoother and seamless typing experience, with a muted sound profile perfect for shared spaces. While they may differ slightly in their specific descriptors, both switches offer a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific environment in which the keyboard will be used.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific needs. If you prioritize a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Honey switch would be an excellent choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a more subdued sound profile, the Honey switch provides a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, if you're seeking a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a seamless typing experience with minimal noise, the Silent Red switch is perfect for you. With its muted sound profile and padded bottom-out feel, it is particularly well-suited for office or shared living space use. Both switches offer a buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual preferences for force, sound, and feel, ensuring that you find the ideal switch that enhances your typing comfort and enjoyment.
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