KTT Darling vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Darling and the TTC Honey offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Darling, a linear switch, stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. This switch also delivers a resonant, high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, blending tactile and auditory feedback in an engaging way. On the other hand, the TTC Honey, also a linear switch, offers a smooth and creamy typing feel, paired with a deep and pleasant sound profile. While the Darling is characterized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', and 'High-pitched', the Honey is described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless'. Each switch has its own unique features and qualities that may appeal to different users depending on their preferences. 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
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and TTC Honey both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for users who prioritize clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing enables a visually appealing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the Darling stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference in bottom housing material may affect the overall typing experience for users looking for a specific sound and feel.
In terms of sound characteristics, the use of polycarbonate in both the top housings of the Darling and Honey results in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This consistency in top housing material ensures a uniform sound experience for users of either switch. However, the choice of nylon for the Darling's bottom housing creates a contrast in sound compared to the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will produce a deeper and fuller sound, which may appeal to users seeking a more muted and rounded typing experience.
Ultimately, the difference between the Darling and Honey lies in their bottom housing materials, with the Darling featuring nylon for a softer and more absorbent sound profile, while the Honey utilizes polycarbonate for a sharper and clearer sound. This distinction highlights the impact of bottom housing material on the typing experience, as it contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material primarily influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether users prefer the deep resonance of nylon or the crisp clarity of polycarbonate, both the KTT Darling and TTC Honey offer unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, we find that the Darling has a slightly higher actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Honey's 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling requires 53 grams while the Honey only needs 50 grams. This makes the Darling switch slightly heavier overall, with a medium-light feel, while the Honey switch is lighter with a light touch. The actuation and bottom out forces of the Darling and Honey switches are different enough to provide distinct typing experiences for users who have a preference for lighter or heavier switches. Therefore, users looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Darling switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch may choose the Honey switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Darling has the shorter travel distance compared to the Honey. The Darling's 3.5 mm travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the Honey's 3.8 mm travel distance may be chosen by those who prefer a deeper key press feeling. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Darling providing a quicker, more responsive feel and the Honey offering a slightly more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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.
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 KTT Darling linear switch provides a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile, giving a sharp and percussive typing experience with a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a more subdued sound, providing a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent but offers a smooth and creamy typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Darling will deliver a more pronounced and engaging sound, while the Honey will give a deep and pleasant sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy sensation, offering a springy responsiveness and a lively feel that adds a sense of rebound to each keystroke. Conversely, the TTC Honey linear switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with a frictionless and buttery sensation. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Darling focusing on a bouncy feedback while the Honey focuses on a creamy and polished typing sensation.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Darling delivers a more pronounced, high-pitched, and bouncy typing experience with resonant feedback, the Honey offers a smoother, creamier, and more subdued sound and feel. Depending on your personal preferences for typing sensation and sound profile, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Darling offering a more tactile and engaging feedback, and the Honey providing a smoother and more buttery typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial feel with bouncy feedback along with a resonant, high-pitched sound, the Darling switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing sensation with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the Honey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel and sound when selecting between these two switches.
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