TTC Honey vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it's evident that the Honey offers a smooth and creamy feel, perfect for those who prefer a frictionless typing experience. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch doesn't have any standout features but is known for its tactile feedback. The Honey switch has a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch provides a tactile bump that some users may find more satisfying. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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 Maple Leaf, it is evident that both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. The Honey's polycarbonate top and bottom housing provide a sharp, crisp sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's nylon top and bottom housing produce a deeper, fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While the Honey's polycarbonate housing offers a more resonant sound, the Maple Leaf's nylon housing creates a rounder and duller sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the TTC Honey and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches offer distinct advantages based on their housing materials. The Honey's polycarbonate housing is ideal for those who prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially for those who enjoy RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's nylon housing appeals to individuals looking for a deeper and fuller sound experience, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. These differences in sound profiles make each switch unique in their own right, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles. The polycarbonate housing of the Honey offers a clearer and more resonant sound, while the nylon housing of the Maple Leaf provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether one prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a rounder, duller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is seeking.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch both offer different experiences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Maple Leaf's 55 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Honey switch requires 50 grams of force, while the Maple Leaf switch needs 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Honey switch would be the better option. On the other hand, typists who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Maple Leaf switch for a more tactile and heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Maple Leaf has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Honey. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the slight difference may be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Maple Leaf switch, while those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Honey switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific feel that each user is looking for in a switch's travel distance.
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 Maple Leaf 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for producing a subdued and dampened sound profile, offering a more subtle typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth, effortless, and uniform feel while typing, with a gentle resistance and reduced friction for a sleek and refined typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the specific feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch.
In conclusion, based on the information provided, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile. In contrast, information about the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is not available. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the TTC Honey, such as smoothness and a subtle sound profile, you may find the Outemu Maple Leaf to be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, the best way to determine the right switch for you is to try out different options and see which one aligns best with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Honey switch may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch with a specific sound and feel preference, the Maple Leaf switch could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Happy typing!
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