TTC Honey vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the Outemu Milk Tea offer unique experiences for users. The TTC Honey, a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, does not have any specific standout features. The Honey is often described as 'subdued', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'buttery', 'subtle', and 'polished', while the Milk Tea does not fall into any specific categorization. Choosing between these switches may depend on whether you prefer a smoother, more subdued typing experience with the Honey, or a potentially more tactile feel with the Milk Tea. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics. The Honey's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top and nylon bottom housings produce a brighter sound with resonant clacks. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Honey switch leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon in the Milk Tea absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Honey switch is ideal for RGB lighting, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice for switch materials.
Despite the different housing materials used, both the TTC Honey and the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective top and bottom housings. The Honey's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing enhances the overall resonant quality of the switch. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a bright sound signature, while the nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how the combination of top and bottom housing materials can impact the overall typing experience on mechanical switches.
In evaluating the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, it is evident that the choice of materials plays a significant role in the sound profile and overall performance of the switches. While the Honey's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper, fuller sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Honey switch results in a more clear and resonant sound, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch offers a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Honey switch is lighter than the Milk Tea switch. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milk Tea switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, with an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Honey switch may be the preferred choice. Conversely, individuals who seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Milk Tea switch, given its slightly heavier actuation force. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for users, and selecting the appropriate switch based on personal preferences is essential for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Honey for quicker response times, while others may appreciate the deeper feel of the Milk Tea. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel. For those who enjoy a traditional travel distance, both options offer similar results.
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 Milk Tea 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 buttery and frictionless typing experience. This switch also produces a deep and pleasant sound profile, offering a subdued and polished sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel are unknown. However, based on the information provided, it is safe to assume that the Honey linear switch will likely offer a more refined and smoother typing experience compared to the Milk Tea tactile switch. Overall, both switches can offer a unique typing experience, with the Honey switch being more likely to provide a creamy and enjoyable feel with a subdued and polished sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light and smooth keypress with a creamy and pleasant sound profile, the Honey linear switch with its 50-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile typing experience with a unique feel and sound, the Milk Tea tactile switch, with an unspecified bottom out force, may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
