There is little difference except mastic means 'from plant origins'.
Use a good mastic or adhesive
It is called Mastic. It is the adhesive that used to be used for floor tiles. Warning: Most mastic contains asbestos
Mastic is an adhesive not a flooring some manufacturers say it can be used on floor tiles how ever I would not recommend using mastic on a floor as it would take forever to cure
"Mastic" is a very old word for a tree sap gum. Today the word mastic is used for any gum-based adhesive, even if the adhesive has no actual gum. Roofing mastic is a sticky fiber cement used to repair fiberglas and asphalt shingle roofs. It is generally used for temporary repairs unless it will be totally protected from sun damage. You can get it at any good building supply store. I don't see the word "mastic" on the labels of many of the products that are often called mastic by tradespeople.
You do not want to use a mixing thinset for backsplash. you would want to use something a little stronger for walls, being a carpenter for 7 years i would use mastic tile adhesive. There are alot of advantages in using this product and the main reason is most of it is pre mixed. The mastic tile adhesive is an organically based mortar that is commonly used in the laying of ceramic tiles. This adhesive is made from the resin of the mastic tree and is available as a thin liquid, a paste, or a glue. Some common construction adhesives are a form of mastic resin. Using mastic as a tile adhesive does carry some advantages over mortar.1. Tremendous Holding StrengthMastic is used mostly with ceramic tile, but is also used with heavier materials such as stone and marble. This strength is the reason that many people will use a mastic tile adhesive in shower enclosures where there is a stone tile. If the seal remains the tile, then mastic adhesive will last for many years without any problems.2. Quick Setting Tile AdhesiveThe mastic tile adhesive is very quick setting. While this does have some drawbacks to it, it is also an advantage. Heavier tiles will set quicker so you can get more of the project competed.3. Easy to UseWhen spreading out over a backerboard to apply the tiles to, mastic tile adhesive is much easier to work with than mortar. Not being as thick, the mastic spreads out evenly and gives the tile a very good area to bond with.Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/3-advantages-of-using-mastic-tile-adhesive/#b#ixzz23kIZTizw
An adhesive bonds two objects together, whereas a solvent disolves something: often an adhesive.
Loctite PL Premium is a contractors adhesive that is 3 times as strong as mastic and ideal for this kind of application
Synthetic adhesive is much stronger.
You would use a solvent to dissolve the mastic, which will make it easier to remove. There is a plethora of solvents available that are specifically for black mastic, including some that are environmentally safe. Type in "solvent for black asbestos mastic" in Google for a list of products.
Try WD-40 and, if it will not loosen the adhesive, use a sharp chisel to GENTLY scrape it off.
Water contains no alcohol or oils, as rubbing alcohol does.
Tuck tape is much stronger and has better adhesive.