TTC Honey vs. Wuque Studio WS Onion
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Wuque Studio WS Onion switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that come to mind are the TTC Honey and the Wuque Studio WS Onion. The Honey is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a delightful typing experience. Additionally, these switches feature a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall satisfaction of using them. On the other hand, the WS Onion stands out with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, offering a buttery smooth keystroke feel. Furthermore, users will appreciate the crisp and responsive feel of the Onion, combined with a neutral sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics that make them desirable options. 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
N/A
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
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
WS CL635 Gold Plated Stainless Spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Wuque Studio WS Onion offer different characteristics, yet they also share some similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting. While the descriptions for the top housings are identical, it can be inferred that they would provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the TTC Honey features polycarbonate, while the WS Onion utilizes nylon. The polycarbonate bottom housing in the Honey switch contributes to a sharper sound and adds to the overall clear and resonant profile. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the WS Onion elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in material ultimately impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In summary, both the TTC Honey and the WS Onion switches harness the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings. This leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while also providing visual appeal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, their bottom housings differ, with the polycarbonate in the Honey switch emphasizing a sharper sound, while the nylon in the WS Onion switch creates a deeper and fuller sound. It is important to note that each housing material influences different aspects of the switch's sound, with the bottom housing primarily affecting the bottom-out sound and the top housing primarily influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey has a relatively light actuation force of 42 grams, meaning that it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the WS Onion is unknown, making it difficult to determine the exact sensitivity of this switch. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Honey has a force of 50 grams, which is still relatively light, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without requiring excessive pressure. On the other hand, the WS Onion has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Considering the weight of the switches, it becomes evident that the Honey is lighter compared to the WS Onion due to its relatively lower actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter weight of the Honey switch makes it suitable for those who prefer a lightweight typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it a great choice for work or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, the WS Onion, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, appeals to individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more pronounced typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Honey is known to be 42 grams and the bottom out force is 50 grams, the exact actuation force of the WS Onion remains unknown, but the bottom out force is heavier at 63.5 grams. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, with the Honey providing a lighter touch and the WS Onion delivering a more substantial and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lightweight or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch have different travel distances. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the WS Onion has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the Honey has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the WS Onion. The difference may seem minimal, but it can impact the typing or gaming experience. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the WS Onion falls within the more traditional range, while the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Honey is slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize faster response times often prefer shorter travel distances, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. In this case, the Honey would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, preferring a deeper feel when typing or gaming. For those who enjoy a more substantial depth, the WS Onion and its 4 mm travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Onion has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Onion for $5.53.
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 offers a deep and pleasant sound profile. While not completely silent, it provides a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch has a neutral sound profile. It produces a moderate sound and is suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is best described as providing a smooth and creamy typing experience. This is achieved through factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. It offers a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, melting into each keystroke. It is also considered a frictionless switch, minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Honey switch can be described as subtle, maintaining a gentle resistance and a light typing feel. Its polished finish contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch offers a buttery and polished typing experience in terms of feel. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The polished finish also contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Honey and Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switches provide subjective qualities that result in smooth and pleasant typing experiences. While the Honey switch is known for its creamy and frictionless feel, the WS Onion switch offers a buttery and polished feel. The sound of the Honey switch is described as subdued, while the WS Onion switch has a neutral sound profile. Overall, whether you choose the Honey or WS Onion switch, you can expect similar results in terms of a smooth typing experience, with the slight differences in sound and feel catering to individual preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a lighter switch with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a light touch that allows for effortless typing. The Honey switches are known for their deep and pleasant sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a buttery smooth keystroke feel, the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch would be a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy touch that provides a more substantial feel while typing. The WS Onion switches feature a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, contributing to their smooth and refined finish.
In terms of sound, the Honey switches produce a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the WS Onion switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and purposes.
When it comes to the typing feel, both the Honey and WS Onion switches are described as having a buttery keystroke experience. They provide a smooth and fluid typing sensation, allowing for seamless and effortless keystrokes.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Onion linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter touch and a subdued sound, the Honey switches would be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch and a neutral sound profile, the WS Onion switches would be a better fit. Consider your desired typing experience and sound profile to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.