TTC Honey vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Honey, a linear switch, with the Outemu Silent Grey, a tactile switch, it is important to note the distinct characteristics of each. The TTC Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a pleasant typing experience with a deep sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey offers a quiet and highly tactile typing experience, perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent switch. While the Honey is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', 'Polished', the Silent Grey falls under a different category. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Grey switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing provides similar qualities to the top housing, resulting in a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. In contrast, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the soft and sound-absorbing nature of nylon.
While both the Honey and Silent Grey switches have polycarbonate top housings that provide a clear and resonant sound profile, the bottom housings differ in material. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisper sound qualities found in the top housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper sound profile that complements the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. This combination of materials allows for a unique typing experience with a blend of sharpness and depth in sound.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Grey switches depends on the desired sound profile and typing experience. The consistent and sharp sound profile of the Honey switches, with both top and bottom housings made of polycarbonate, may appeal to those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switches offer a unique combination of a sharp polycarbonate top housing and a deeper nylon bottom housing, providing a fuller sound profile that may cater to those seeking a different typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Honey requires 50 grams, while the Silent Grey needs 65 grams, making the latter a heavier option. Those who prefer a light typing feel may lean towards the Honey switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Both switches offer different typing experiences, so the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch with a travel distance of 4mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Honey switch offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Honey switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Grey switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Silent Grey 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 offers a subdued and pleasant sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is designed to be quiet, offering a highly tactile typing experience without the loud clicky noise often associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound of the switches can also be affected by factors like the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, TTC Honey linear switches are known for their creamy and smooth typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys with a silky sensation. The switches are also described as frictionless and buttery, offering a fluid and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches. However, being a tactile switch, they are designed to provide a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke for a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Honey linear switch is best suited for those looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is ideal for users seeking a quiet and highly tactile typing experience. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. It's important to consider factors like typing style, preference for noise levels, and desired tactile feedback when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, a smooth and creamy typing feel, and a subdued sound profile, then the TTC Honey switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump, and a satisfying yet silent sound profile, then the Outemu Silent Grey switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what specific characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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