TTC Honey vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the KTT Strawberry. The TTC Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, these switches have a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall enjoyment of using them. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry stands out with its attractive pink and clear housings, instantly capturing attention. Apart from its eye-catching appearance, the Strawberry offers a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. Both switches share qualities such as being frictionless, buttery, and polished, offering a seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the KTT Strawberry have several similarities. Both switches feature polycarbonate top and bottom housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material lends itself well to switches with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. Therefore, both the Honey and the Strawberry switches offer a similar sound experience and are suitable for those who value aesthetics with RGB lighting.
While the top and bottom housings of the Honey and Strawberry switches are both made of polycarbonate, it's important to note that their impact on the overall performance of the switch differs. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, although the housing materials are the same, the switches may still deliver slightly different tactile experiences depending on the specific characteristics of their top and bottom housings.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Honey and KTT Strawberry switches share several similarities due to their use of polycarbonate. Both switches offer a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it well-suited for switches featuring RGB lighting. However, while the top and bottom housings are made of the same material, the Honey and Strawberry switches may still have slight variations in tactile feedback due to the differing impacts of the top and bottom housings. Whether the focus is on sound or typing feel, both switches offer compelling options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Honey switch has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, while the Strawberry switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, while the Strawberry switch has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams.
This means that the Honey switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, with a lighter initial push and a lighter force required to fully press down. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force and a significantly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth noting that they both fall within the average range for linear switches. Some individuals may prefer the lighter weight of the Honey switch, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work settings or extended gaming sessions. However, others who prioritize a stronger push or a more solid typing experience may find the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Strawberry switch more suitable for their needs.
In terms of obtaining similar results, if one prefers a lighter typing experience similar to the Honey switch but with a slightly higher actuation force, the Strawberry switch can offer a comparable option. However, if one prefers a heavier and more substantial typing experience, then the Strawberry switch with its higher bottom out force would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become increasingly popular in recent times. Gamers especially tend to favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Honey switch would be a suitable choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, it is worth noting that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial key press experience, opting for the Strawberry switch with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better fit. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, and the decision ultimately boils down to personal preference.
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 Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued sound profile. This means that when the switch is pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is described as having a low-pitched sound. This means that it features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to switches with higher pitches. 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. So while the Honey and Strawberry switches have different sound profiles, both provide enjoyable and pleasant typing experiences.
In terms of feel, both the TTC Honey and the KTT Strawberry switches offer a frictionless typing experience. This means that there is minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, allowing for effortless and smooth typing. Additionally, both switches are described as having a buttery feel. This indicates that they provide a seamless, fluid, and uniform typing sensation. The Honey switch is also described as creamy, implying a smooth and buttery typing experience, while the Strawberry switch is described as silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Furthermore, both switches are mentioned to have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience with a range of similar subjective qualities.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey and KTT Strawberry linear switches have their own distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Honey switch has a subdued sound profile and a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch has a low-pitched sound and a silky, frictionless, and polished feel. While there are differences between these switches, both offer smooth and pleasant typing experiences with minimal friction and effortless keystrokes. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is a great choice. With its bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a light and comfortable typing experience. The Honey switch is known for its deep and pleasant sound profile, offering a more subdued and subtle sound when compared to other switches. In terms of feel, the Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, providing a silky sensation as you effortlessly glide your fingers across the keys.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a smooth actuation and reliable performance, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers a medium level of resistance. The Strawberry switch is loved for its comfortable feel and attractive pink and clear housings. In terms of sound, it has a low-pitched tone, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. The Strawberry switch offers a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel during typing, ensuring a smooth and fluid typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and KTT Strawberry linear switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as weight, typing experience, and sound to determine which switch aligns with your desired typing experience. Whether you prefer a lighter and creamy switch or a slightly heavier and reliable switch, both options provide excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.