TTC Honey vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both linear switches. The TTC Honey is favored for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile, making it a great choice for those looking for a subtle and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction, short travel distance for quick actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, while the Smoothie Silver utilizes POM for both. The use of polycarbonate in the Honey results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM material in the Smoothie Silver creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles highlights the importance of housing material in determining the overall acoustics of a switch.
Furthermore, the difference in housing materials between the two switches also extends to the feel of the keys when pressed. The stiffer polycarbonate material in the Honey's bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, which can be felt when bottoming out a key. In contrast, the POM material in the Smoothie Silver's bottom housing creates a more muted and pleasing sound when keys are pressed. This difference in material directly affects the tactile feedback and overall typing experience of each switch, showcasing the importance of housing material in keyboard design.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the TTC Honey and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both switches ultimately aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users. While the Honey's polycarbonate material results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Smoothie Silver's POM material offers a deeper and more muted sound. Regardless of these variances, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience through the careful selection of housing materials that impact sound, feel, and aesthetics. Ultimately, whether a user prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of POM will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Honey is the lighter option. The TTC Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. The Honey provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver offers a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer similar results in terms of feel, with the Honey being lighter overall and the Smoothie Silver potentially offering a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Honey. The Honey's travel distance falls within the traditional range, offering a good balance between responsiveness and key depth, making it a versatile option for various preferences. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers or those seeking quick response times. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to the difference in travel distance, with the Honey offering slightly more depth than the Smoothie Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 and pleasant sound profile, creating a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is known for its thocky sound, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Honey switch is characterized by its creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery keystroke sensation. This switch provides a polished and subtle feel, allowing for effortless key presses with minimal resistance. On the contrary, details about the tactile feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch are not provided in the given information. However, given its short travel distance and feather-light touch, it is likely to offer a swift and smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the TTC Honey and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches are linear switches, they offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The TTC Honey switch provides a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, whereas the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch offers a fast and thocky typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve different but equally satisfying results with either of these switches. Experimenting with different switches on various keyboards can further enhance your typing experience and help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider the factors that matter most to you. If you value a light bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the TTC Honey may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a short travel distance, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Gateron Smoothie Silver could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure you get the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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