TTC Honey vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and Outemu Purple offer unique qualities worth considering. The TTC Honey is a linear switch celebrated for its smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that does not have a specific standout feature. The TTC Honey is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', 'Polished', while the Outemu Purple does not have a defined category. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Purple, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Honey is also made of polycarbonate, while the Purple utilizes nylon. This difference in material leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile with nylon, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of typing on them. While the top housing primarily affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing plays a bigger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. With the Honey's polycarbonate top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent sharp and resonant sound profile throughout their typing experience. In contrast, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Purple switch allows for a mix of crispness and fullness in the sound output.
Overall, both the TTC Honey and the Outemu Purple utilize housing materials that enhance the auditory experience of typing. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the softer nylon in the Purple's bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for the type of sound profile desired, with the Honey offering a sharper sound and the Purple providing a deeper tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's specific preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, one significant difference is in their actuation force. The Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Purple tactile switch, which requires 50 grams of force to actuate. This means that the Honey switch may feel more responsive and easier to activate when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams, while the Purple switch's bottom out force is unknown. Having a higher bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force, with the Honey switch being lighter in actuation force and the Purple switch potentially offering a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Honey linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Purple tactile switch. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying keypress. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Honey being on the shorter end and the Purple being slightly longer. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Purple 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 produces a deep and pleasant sound profile, offering a subdued and dampened sound when pressed. This switch delivers a smooth and creamy typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with a silky sensation. On the other hand, information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch is not available at this time. However, based on the descriptions provided, it is evident that the Honey linear switch emphasizes a smooth and creamy feel with a subdued sound profile.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of the TTC Honey linear switch and the unknown qualities of the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it can be inferred that the Honey switch would offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a deep sound. While the specific feel and sound of the Purple switch remain unknown, it is likely that users seeking a similar experience to the Honey switch may find satisfaction with the Purple switch, especially if they prefer a tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback and a switch with an unknown bottom out force, the Outemu Purple tactile switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider the typing feel and sound profile that best matches your preferences when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what feels best for your typing experience.
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