TTC Honey vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and Outemu Crystal Brown offer distinct qualities to consider. 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 Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that does not have any standout features mentioned. The Honey switch is categorized as subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished, while the Crystal Brown does not have specific categories attached to it. Depending on personal preference, one might opt for the TTC Honey for a smoother typing experience, while the Outemu Crystal Brown could appeal to those who prefer a more tactile 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Both the TTC Honey and the Outemu Crystal Brown feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. However, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Honey utilizing polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, while the Crystal Brown uses nylon for its bottom housing.
The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing continues the trend of creating a sharp and clear sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This difference in bottom housing materials results in a varied feel and sound when typing on these switches, with the Honey providing a more crisp and resonant bottom-out sound, while the Crystal Brown offers a duller and rounder sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and the Outemu Crystal Brown comes down to preference in sound and typing feel. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials gives each switch its unique sound profile. The Honey's sharper and resonant sound may be preferred by those looking for a crisper typing experience, while the Crystal Brown's deeper and fuller sound may appeal to those who enjoy a softer typing feel. Whichever switch you choose, the housing materials utilized will play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Honey switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter overall. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Honey switch. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Honey switch offering a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while the Crystal Brown switch delivers a more substantial typing feel due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Honey offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Honey for its faster key presses, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Brown with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance 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 Crystal Brown 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 Honey linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a pleasant typing experience. In terms of sound, it offers a subdued and dampened sound profile, which is not completely silent but more subtle compared to other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any specific characteristics mentioned for sound or feel.
When comparing the subjective qualities of the two switches, the TTC Honey linear switch can be expected to provide a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch does not have any defined characteristics mentioned for sound or feel. Therefore, if seeking a switch with known qualities for both sound and feel, the Honey linear switch would be a more reliable choice based on available information. Both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel if actual testing is conducted, although the Honey switch has specific descriptors provided for comparison. Ultimately, choosing the right switch comes down to personal preference and individual typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a light bottom out force, then the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. Its deep and pleasant sound profile, along with its frictionless and buttery feel, make for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile typing feel, then the Outemu Crystal Brown switch would be more suitable for you. With its tactile bump and moderate force, it provides a different typing experience compared to the linear Honey switch. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and force requirements.
Mentioned in this article
