TTC Honey vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in conversations are the TTC Honey and KTT Mint switches. The Honey switches are best known for their smooth and creamy feel, offering a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, these switches produce a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding a touch of elegance to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Mint switches are also praised for their smoothness and linear design. With a longer pole stem, these switches provide a unique poppy thockiness when typing, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience. Furthermore, they offer a light and fleeting type feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, providing users with options based on their preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision in choosing the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the KTT Mint have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics related to lighting, users can expect similar results from both the Honey and the Mint.
However, the differences arise when we consider the bottom housing. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound and feel when pressing down on a key. With its stiffer nature, polycarbonate enhances the bottom-out sound and impact. On the other hand, the Mint features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
In summary, the top housings of both the Honey and the Mint are made of polycarbonate and offer similar benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics with RGB lighting. However, the bottom housings differ, with polycarbonate providing a sharper impact and sound on the Honey, while nylon in the Mint delivers a deeper and fuller typing sound. Therefore, depending on personal preferences for the sound and feel of pressing down on a key, users can make an informed choice between the two.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that they have slight differences in terms of weight. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a comfortable and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Mint switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a slightly more substantial feel when typing. Although the differences between the two switches are minimal, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Honey switch, while those who desire a slightly firmer and weightier key press may lean towards the Mint switch. In both cases, users can expect similar results in terms of sensitivity and responsiveness, as both switches offer comparable levels of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Mint has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. 4.0mm is considered the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0mm is the most shallow. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on the key, the Honey switch with its shorter travel distance might be a better choice. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel, the Mint switch with its longer travel distance may be preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 switch is known for its deep and pleasant sound profile. It can be described as subdued, producing a dampened sound when pressed. It offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch has a low-pitched sound, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. It is also described as neutral, having a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey switch is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. Creamy switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, providing a silky sensation when typing. Frictionless switches minimize any sense of resistance or friction, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. Buttery switches also provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Subtle switches have a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making them suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Mint switch is described as mild and polished. A mild switch offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of these switches are approachable to most, as they stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. Like the TTC Honey switch, the KTT Mint switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Honey and KTT Mint switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The TTC Honey switch has a deep and pleasant sound profile with a more subdued sound, while the KTT Mint switch has a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, with the Honey switch being described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, and the Mint switch being described as mild and polished. Overall, while there are differences between the two switches, they both offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience with variations in sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a light switch, the Honey with a bottom out force of 50 grams would be a suitable choice. The Honey is known for providing a smooth and creamy typing experience, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch, the Mint with a bottom out force of 53 grams would be a better option. The Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness, and it has a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches are described as polished, so you can expect a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the Honey and Mint will come down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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