TTC Honey vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer unique experiences for users. The TTC Honey is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is known for its clicky feedback without any specific standout qualities. If you prefer a subdued, creamy, and polished typing experience, the TTC Honey may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a clicky feedback without any specific standout qualities, the Outemu Blue could 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Blue switches, we find that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Honey switch also utilizes polycarbonate, while the Blue switch uses nylon. The Honey's bottom housing continues the trend of a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Blue's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon.
The difference in bottom housing material between the TTC Honey and the Outemu Blue switches ultimately affects the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch. While the Honey switch maintains a clear and crisp sound profile throughout, the Blue switch delivers a deeper and fuller sound experience, particularly on the bottom-out. The impact of the bottom housing material on typing feel is noticeable, with the softer nylon of the Blue switch absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the Honey switch. However, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, enhancing the sound profile when keys are released.
In terms of sound profile and typing feel, the choice of housing material plays a crucial role in distinguishing the TTC Honey and Outemu Blue switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharp and resonant sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material leads to distinct typing experiences. The Honey switch offers a clear and crisp sound profile throughout, with its polycarbonate bottom housing contributing to the overall tactile feedback. In contrast, the Blue switch's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing the bottom-out experience. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch results in unique sound profiles and typing sensations for users to enjoy.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Honey switch requires less force to register a key press. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Honey switch has a heavier force of 50 grams compared to the Blue switch, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the initial keystroke may be lighter with the Honey switch, the overall typing experience may feel more substantial due to the heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Honey switch may be the preferred choice, while those who prefer a stronger push may lean towards the Outemu Blue switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Honey switch slightly faster in terms of response time, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying and substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Honey being on the shorter end and the Blue being on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for speed versus tactile feedback.
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 Blue 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 known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a buttery and frictionless typing experience. This lends to a polished and subtle typing sensation, resulting in a refined and gentle keystroke. In terms of sound, the Honey switch produces a deep and pleasant sound profile with a subdued quality, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch lacks specific descriptions for both sound and feel qualities. However, based on the information provided, the Honey switch would likely offer a more refined and smooth typing experience with a quieter and more subdued sound compared to the Blue switch, which may have a clicky and louder typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience with a louder sound profile, the Outemu Blue clicky switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing preferences and environment when choosing between these two switches to ensure you have the best mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what works best for you in terms of feel and sound.
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