TTC Honey vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are numerous options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular choices among enthusiasts are the TTC Honey and the Durock T1 switches. The Honey switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, these switches produce a deep and pleasant sound profile that adds to the overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, the T1 switches offer a tactile feedback that is super comfortable to type on. With a medium bump when pressing down, these switches provide a satisfying tactile sensation reminiscent of the feeling of rain falling on a window. While these general characteristics can offer a good starting point for selecting a switch, it is essential to dive deeper into their individual features to find the best fit for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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 Durock T1 share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, their clear housing allows for the effective use of RGB lighting. This makes them both suitable choices if you prioritize a clear and resonant sound profile with the added bonus of customizable lighting effects.
However, the Honey and T1 differ in their bottom housing materials. The Honey incorporates polycarbonate in its bottom housing, similar to its top housing, enhancing its overall sound profile with a stiffer plastic that generates a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the T1 features a nylon bottom housing. This nylon material provides a distinct typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate.
When using either switch, the qualities of the top and bottom housings become apparent in different aspects of typing. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. Meanwhile, the top housing has a more noticeable effect on the sound when releasing a pressed key, affecting the overall noise profile of the switch.
In summary, both the TTC Honey and the Durock T1 offer unique advantages in terms of housing materials. While they share the benefits brought by polycarbonate in the top housing, the Honey stands out with its polycarbonate bottom housing for a clearer and resonant sound. Conversely, the T1 distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Understanding these differences can help you choose the switch that best suits your preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is important to note their differences. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is relatively light, and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the T1 switch's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Honey, as it allows for longer periods of typing without causing fatigue. This makes it suitable for scenarios such as bringing a keyboard to work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. However, for those who desire a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel, the T1 switch's heavier bottom out force may be more preferable.
Although the actuation force of the T1 switch is not mentioned, it is worth considering that if it is similar to the Honey switch, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke triggering. However, the T1 switch's higher bottom out force suggests that it may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback when fully pressed compared to the Honey switch. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is clear that they have slightly different distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the T1 has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional standards, the T1 falls within the average range of 4.0 mm, while the Honey is slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may find the shorter travel distance of the Honey to be more favorable. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on keys may lean towards the T1 with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a quicker or more robust typing experience. Regardless, both switches offer a noticeable tactile feedback when pressed, ensuring that users will have a satisfying typing experience with either option.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 producing a deep and pleasant sound profile. Although not completely silent, it has a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch is known for a low-pitched and mellow tone, often compared to the sound of rain falling on a window. This switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced typists in various settings.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Honey linear switch is highly regarded for its smooth and creamy typing experience. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on a Honey switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, offering a silky sensation. In contrast, the Durock T1 tactile switch provides a stepped tactile feel that has two stages. It offers a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, making it comfortable to type on. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, resulting in reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a sleek typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Honey linear switch excels in providing a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a stepped tactile feel and a low-pitched, mellow sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. Both switches exhibit polished characteristics, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. If the subjective qualities mentioned are desirable, using either switch would yield similar results, providing an enjoyable typing experience with their respective sound and feel profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a light bottom out force and values a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch may be the right choice for you. These switches offer a light and effortless typing feel, with a smooth and buttery sensation. The subdued sound emitted by the Honey switch provides a dampened and subtle sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize comfort while typing, the Durock T1 tactile switch might be more suitable for you. These switches offer a super comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a sound that resembles rain falling on a window. The T1 switch has a stepped or accented tactile feel, providing a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and Durock T1 switches comes down to your personal preferences and typing style, as both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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