TTC Honey vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Outemu Cream Yellow. The TTC Honey is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, as well as a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow is a tactile switch. While the Cream Yellow does not have a defined characteristic listed, it is generally praised for its tactile feedback and satisfying click. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer the smooth and buttery feel of the TTC Honey or the more tactile response of the Cream Yellow. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on the properties of their respective plastics. The polycarbonate top housing of the Honey switch creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, emphasizing clarity and resonance. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Cream Yellow switch produces a deeper and fuller sound, with a more absorbent quality that results in a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound production, with polycarbonate favoring a crisper tone and nylon lending itself to a richer sound experience.
Moving to the bottom housing of the switches, the use of polycarbonate in the Honey switch once again highlights its contribution to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clear and resonant qualities of the switch, particularly affecting the overall bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the Cream Yellow's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic properties. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the tactile experience when pressing down on a key, with polycarbonate offering a different impact compared to nylon in terms of sound and feel.
While the TTC Honey and Outemu Cream Yellow switches feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the overall impact on sound production is equally significant. The distinct qualities of polycarbonate and nylon are split between the top and bottom of the switches, influencing the sound profiles in unique ways. The characteristics of each housing material come into play when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of housing materials in switches can enhance your typing experience and help you choose the right switch for your preferences.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch has a lighter force of 50 grams while the Cream Yellow switch has a heavier force of 60 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Honey switch, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow switch. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to the variance in actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring that users will get distinct results based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Cream Yellow has a shorter travel distance compared to the Honey. The shorter travel distance of the Cream Yellow may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Honey may appeal to users who prefer more depth and feedback when typing. Both switches offer varying experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to 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 Cream Yellow 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 offers a subdued and deep sound profile when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. The sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished typing experience. This means users can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke, minimal resistance, and a refined finish for a sleek typing experience. As for the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, information regarding its feel is currently unavailable.
Considering the available information, it is clear that the TTC Honey linear switch excels in providing a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subdued sound profile. While the qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are unknown in this comparison, if you are looking for a similar experience of smoothness and subtlety, the TTC Honey linear switch may be a suitable choice. It is important to consider your personal preferences and typing needs when selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a light and smooth typing feel with a creamy and pleasant sound profile, then the TTC Honey linear switch with its 50g bottom out force might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a tactile feedback, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch might be more suitable for you. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns more with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on what typing experience you value the most.
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