TTC Honey vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Honey and the Outemu Lotus are both popular options that offer different characteristics to consider. The TTC Honey is known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile, making it a great choice for users who prioritize a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is a linear switch that doesn't have any specific standout features, but is appreciated for its straightforward and reliable performance. While the Honey is praised for its subdued, creamy, and buttery feel, the Lotus is known for its simplicity. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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 Lotus, one key difference lies in the material used for the top housing. The Honey features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a clear and resonant sound, especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Honey and Lotus switches have distinct properties based on their materials. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top counterpart, creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. In contrast, the Lotus's nylon bottom housing, as with its top housing, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, especially noticeable when typing on the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing material in switches like the TTC Honey and the Outemu Lotus plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switch. While the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Honey offer a sharper and clearer sound, the nylon housings of the Lotus create a deeper and fuller sound. Understanding how each material impacts the sound profile and feel of the switch can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is clear that both switches have a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Lotus has a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, ensuring that users will experience a consistent typing feel when pressing the keys all the way down. For those who enjoy a lighter typing experience for extended periods, either switch would be a suitable choice. However, for users who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, the Honey may provide a slightly more substantial typing feel compared to the Lotus. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Outemu Lotus has a shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Honey. The 0.5 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Outemu Lotus, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may lean towards the TTC Honey. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular in the market today, catering to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come 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 Lotus 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 producing a deep and pleasant sound profile that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is not specified. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, often attributed to factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, providing a silky sensation. They are described as having a frictionless and buttery feel, meaning there is minimal resistance and a fluid key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Lotus linear switch is not specified.
In conclusion, based on the provided information, the TTC Honey linear switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel with a deep sound profile. Although the subjective qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch are not specified, it is recommended to consider personal preferences in sound and feel when choosing between the two switches. Given the different attributes highlighted, it is likely that typing on the TTC Honey and Outemu Lotus switches would yield a similar typing experience for users who prefer linear switches with a smooth and pleasant feel. Ultimately, trying out different switches and considering individual preferences will help in determining the best choice for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a smooth and creamy feel with a deep sound profile, then the TTC Honey switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prioritize a light bottom out force and are not concerned with specific sound or feel descriptors, the Outemu Lotus switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences and what you value most in a keyboard switch.
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