TTC Honey vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the Outemu Black both offer a linear typing experience. The TTC Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless and buttery typing experience. Additionally, the deep and pleasant sound profile of the Honey switches adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch doesn't have specific standout features but is known for its reliability and durability. While the Honey switch is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Black switch lacks specific categorization. If you prefer a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a unique sound profile, the TTC Honey may be the switch for you. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and Outemu Black switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a more transparent and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting. In contrast, the bottom housing of the Honey switch also utilizes polycarbonate, while the Black switch utilizes nylon. The nylon bottom housing of the Black switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound profile of polycarbonate.
Even though both switches have polycarbonate top housing, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of the Outemu Black switch creates a noticeable difference in sound and feel compared to the all-polycarbonate construction of the TTC Honey switch. The split housing materials in each switch allow for a combination of qualities to be experienced when pressing down on the switch. The impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced more by the bottom housing material, while the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of a keyboard switch.
In summary, the TTC Honey and Outemu Black switches showcase how different housing materials can contribute to the overall sound profile and typing experience of a keyboard switch. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches produces a sharper and crisper sound, suitable for switches with RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Black switch creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the TTC Honey switch. The split housing materials in each switch highlight the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound and feel of a keyboard switch.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Black linear switch. The Honey requires 42 grams of actuation force and 50 grams of bottom out force, while the Black needs 65 grams of actuation force and 82 grams of bottom out force. Those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Honey switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Black switch provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is clear that the Honey has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm compared to the Black's 4mm. While both fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common, the slight difference between the two can actually make a significant impact on the typing experience. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
The TTC Honey linear switch is well-known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a silky sensation when typing. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a specific descriptor for its feel. When it comes to sound, the Honey switch offers a deep and pleasant profile, while the Black switch does not have any information on its sound characteristics. Overall, the TTC Honey switch seems to provide a more defined and detailed experience in terms of both feel and sound. However, without specific information on the Outemu Black switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison. In general, if both switches are linear, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of smoothness and lack of tactile feedback, but the specific characteristics may vary. It is important to consider personal preferences and try out different switches to find the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a light and smooth typing feel with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey switch with its 50-gram bottom out force may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that offers a different typing experience, the Outemu Black switch with its 82-gram bottom out force may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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