TTC Honey vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The TTC Honey switch is revered for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch provides a distinctive typing experience with its thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction. Each switch falls into a different category - the Honey being described as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', 'Polished', while the Cold Plum lacks specific categorization. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and construction material, you may lean towards one switch over the other. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Honey Linear

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Honey and Outemu Cold Plum both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Honey's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The difference in stiffness between the polycarbonate and nylon plastics leads to the variation in sound produced by each switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while the absorbing qualities of nylon create a duller sound.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the TTC Honey and Outemu Cold Plum use different materials as well. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey produces a sharp and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Cold Plum results in a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer polycarbonate plastic leads to a more clear and impactful bottom-out sound, while the softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound profile. The choice of material for the bottom housing can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch.

When comparing the two switches, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Despite using different materials for their top and bottom housings, both the TTC Honey and Outemu Cold Plum offer unique sound profiles that can be attributed to their housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing will depend on personal preference for sound and feel when typing on these switches.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it is evident that the Honey is lighter in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is somewhat heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may prefer the Cold Plum switch, as it offers a medium-heavy force compared to the lighter force of the Honey switch. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing experience, with the Honey offering a lighter touch and the Cold Plum providing a heavier feel. Both switches provide reliable key activation and bottoming out results, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the force required.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we see that the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The Cold Plum's 3.3 mm travel distance is slightly shorter than the Honey's 3.8 mm, providing an even quicker keypress. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance of the Cold Plum to feel too abrupt, preferring the slightly deeper feel of the Honey switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for keypress feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a deep and pleasant sound profile, creating a satisfying auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which adds a unique and distinct sound to each keystroke. While the Honey switch may provide a more subdued sound, the Cold Plum switch offers a more noticeable and potentially louder typing experience.

When it comes to feel, the TTC Honey switch is often described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, this switch is noted for its frictionless feel and buttery keystrokes, offering a seamless and uniform typing experience. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum switch is unknown, so it is unclear how it compares in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.

Considering all available information, the TTC Honey linear switch and Outemu Cold Plum linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Honey switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel along with a deep sound profile, the Cold Plum switch stands out with its thocky sound and nylon construction. Typists looking for a subtle and pleasant typing experience may prefer the Honey switch, while those seeking a distinct sound and potentially different feel may opt for the Cold Plum switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider the specific preferences and needs you have for your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch could be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities and characteristics you value most in your keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Honey Linear

$9.99

$6.78 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more