TTC Honey vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Honey, a linear switch, to the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, one can immediately notice the contrasting characteristics of each. The TTC Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a frictionless typing experience accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean lacks any specific distinguishing features but still provides a reliable and tactile typing experience. Those who prefer a subdued, creamy, and polished typing feel may lean towards the TTC Honey, while others looking for a more subtle and buttery tactile feedback may prefer the Outemu Ocean. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Honey and the Outemu Ocean utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant color displays. However, despite these similarities, the two switches may differ in terms of design and aesthetics, offering users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences.
In contrast, while the Honey features a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Outemu Ocean utilizes a nylon bottom housing. The nylon material of the Ocean contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than polycarbonate. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound produced by polycarbonate. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel are influenced by the qualities of the housing material.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the TTC Honey and the Outemu Ocean contribute to unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housings, the distinction in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound quality and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with polycarbonate or a deeper sound with nylon, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Ocean switch's heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Honey switch is 50 grams, while the Ocean switch's bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Honey switch makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Ocean switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Honey switch being lighter and the Ocean switch being heavier in terms of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Honey offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Ocean switch provides a bit more depth to the key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing experience one is looking for.
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 Ocean 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 TTC Honey linear switch is praised for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a buttery sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks a specific description of its feel. When it comes to sound, the TTC Honey is known for its subdued and pleasant sound profile, providing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Outemu Ocean switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and buttery feel accompanied by a subdued and pleasant sound, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a suitable choice for you. Meanwhile, due to the lack of information available on the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, it may be challenging to compare directly. However, by considering your own preferences and testing out both switches in person, you can make an informed decision based on your personal typing experience. Remember that individual preferences play a significant role in selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In making your decision between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams with a smooth and creamy feel accompanied by a pleasant sound profile, then the TTC Honey linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force but desire a different typing experience with unique characteristics, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences in terms of feel and sound. Both switches offer their own distinctive features, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences for a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
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