TTC Honey vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the Outemu Blue Jade offer different experiences for users. The TTC Honey is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch with a unique feel, but lacks specific standout characteristics. The Honey switch is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', while the Blue Jade does not fall into any specific categories. Depending on your preferences, you may choose the Honey for its smoothness and sound profile, or the Blue Jade for its clicky feel. 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
65g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 the Outemu Blue Jade differ significantly in terms of their properties and the resulting sound profiles. The Honey utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Blue Jade employs nylon for its housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate of the Honey leads to a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon of the Blue Jade absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Honey allows for more translucency, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. This clear housing material helps to enhance the visual appeal of the switch while also contributing to its distinct sound profile. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Blue Jade is a classic choice that may not have the same visual impact as polycarbonate but offers a different tactile and auditory experience for the user.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Blue Jade have distinct characteristics that lead to different sound profiles, they both serve their intended purposes effectively. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on the materials used in their housing. Whether opting for the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate-based Honey or the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon-based Blue Jade, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In comparison, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the Honey switch offers a lighter typing experience, the Blue Jade switch gives a more tactile and satisfying feedback with its heavier force requirements. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, with the Honey being lighter and the Blue Jade being medium-heavy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch in terms of travel distance, it is evident that the Honey has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Blue Jade has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem minor, but it can impact the overall typing experience. For those who prefer a quicker response time and faster key presses, the shorter travel distance of the Honey may be more appealing. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Blue Jade may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Jade 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its subdued and pleasant sound profile, offering a dampened and subtle sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound qualities are unknown, but it can be assumed that it may produce a louder and more clicky sound due to its clicky nature. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is highly praised for its smooth and creamy typing experience, with a buttery and frictionless feel that allows for effortless keystrokes. The Blue Jade clicky switch's feel qualities are unknown, but it can be inferred that it may offer a more tactile and clicky typing sensation due to its clicky nature.
Overall, while the subjective qualities of the TTC Honey linear switch point towards a smooth, creamy, and subdued sound and feel, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's sound and feel characteristics are not specified. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth and creamy feel and a subdued sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a suitable choice. If you are seeking a more tactile and clicky typing experience, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch may be worth considering. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Honey linear switch or the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the characteristics you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel with a quieter sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch with its creamy and frictionless characteristics may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and audible typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch may be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual typing preferences and needs.
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