TTC Honey vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Honey and SP-Star Yanyu are two popular options in the world of mechanical keyboard switches, specifically within the linear switch category. Each switch offers its own unique characteristics and advantages, making them ideal for different types of users. The Honey, known for its smooth and creamy feel, provides a delightful typing experience that is often described as subdued, buttery, and frictionless. Additionally, this switch produces a deep and pleasant sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch caters to individuals seeking a more delicate typing experience or those who spend extended periods of time typing. It is characterized by a crisp sound profile, featuring a material blend that enhances its distinct qualities. Categorized as neutral, mild, and thocky, the Yanyu switch offers a feathery and subtle feel that is both polished and refined. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine which switch best meets your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
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 SP-Star Yanyu differ significantly. The Honey features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, while the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for both its top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate in the Honey creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in the Yanyu offers a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side, providing a different auditory experience for users.
Aesthetically, the Honey's polycarbonate housing is translucent, allowing for RGB lighting to shine through, creating an appealing visual effect. This is particularly useful for those who desire illuminated keys. On the other hand, the Yanyu's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housing does not offer the same translucency, which means it may not be as visually striking when paired with RGB lighting.
When it comes to the feel of the switch, the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom housing. Pressing down on the switch will predominantly showcase the characteristics of the bottom housing, such as impact and the resulting sound when bottoming out. Meanwhile, the top housing will have a more noticeable impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite their differences in housing materials, both the Honey and Yanyu will deliver comparable results in terms of key feel and sound, albeit with subtle variations due to their unique housing compositions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it becomes apparent that both switches have a relatively light touch. The TTC Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the specific actuation force for the SP-Star Yanyu switch is unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 43 grams. Although the exact actuation force for the Yanyu switch is unknown, it can be inferred that it is likely to be similar to the Honey switch, given their comparable bottom out forces.
Considering the weight of the switches, both options lean towards the lighter side. This lighter weight is advantageous for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions, making the keyboards suitable for work or long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, options with heavier forces would be more desirable. In this comparison, both the TTC Honey switch and the SP-Star Yanyu switch fall within the lighter weight category, providing a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Honey linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see that they have slight differences. The Honey switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yanyu switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Although these differences may seem small, they can have an impact on the typing experience. The Yanyu switch with its 4 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Honey switch with its slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm may appeal more to gamers who prioritize faster response times. Both switches offer their own advantages, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on whether one prefers a shorter, more responsive feel or a longer, more substantial press.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 is best described as having a subdued sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate level of sound. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Honey switch is known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience. This means that it offers a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, almost like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Yanyu switch, on the other hand, is described as having a mild and subtle feel. It provides a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey switch offers a smooth and creamy feel with a subdued sound profile, while the SP-Star Yanyu switch provides a mild and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile and thocky sound. While they have different subjective qualities, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences. If you prefer a smoother feel and a more subtle sound, the TTC Honey switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a mild and polished typing experience with a deeper sound, the SP-Star Yanyu switch would be a suitable option. It's important to consider your personal typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns with your desired experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, both the TTC Honey and the SP-Star Yanyu switches are suitable options as they both have light bottom out forces of 50 grams and 43 grams, respectively. However, if you specifically prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, then the TTC Honey switches would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more delicate typing experience or planning to type for long periods of time while enjoying a crisp sound profile, then the SP-Star Yanyu switches would be the more suitable option. Moreover, if you prefer a more subdued sound signature, the Honey switches would be a better fit, while the Yanyu switches offer a neutral sound profile with options for a thocky sound. When it comes to feel, the Honey switches provide a range of sensations including creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, while the Yanyu switches offer a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches should be based on your personal preferences regarding bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience.
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