TTC Honey vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Yellow, both linear switches. The TTC Honey is known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Its characteristics are described as subdued, creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow doesn't have a specific standout feature but is favored for its silence. While the Honey offers a unique tactile experience, the Silent Yellow focuses on being quiet during typing sessions. 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
60g
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
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 Yellow switches both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for use with RGB lighting. However, the Silent Yellow switch differs in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch. Nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
While both the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches share polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow switch sets it apart from the Honey switch. This difference in housing materials affects the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound upon release of the key, while the softer nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow switch enhances the depth and fullness of the sound upon keypress. These distinct characteristics highlight the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience with each switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of each keypress. Both the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, the Silent Yellow switch stands out with its use of nylon for the bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey switch. Understanding how different housing materials impact the typing experience can help enthusiasts choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The TTC Honey has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may prefer the Outemu Silent Yellow due to its heavier forces. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch play a crucial role in determining the typing experience, with the Honey offering a lighter touch and the Silent Yellow delivering a more robust keystroke experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In terms of travel distance, the Honey switch is slightly shorter than the Silent Yellow switch. The 0.2mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Honey switch, while those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may prefer the Silent Yellow switch. Both switches offer a linear feel, so in terms of keypress experience, they will provide similar results despite the slight variance in travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Yellow 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 provides a subdued sound profile, offering a more muted and subtle typing experience compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has an unknown sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for its creamy and buttery typing experience, giving users a smooth and effortless sensation with each keystroke. The switch is described as frictionless and polished, offering a refined and sleek typing feel. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch remains unknown, so it is difficult to compare the two switches in this aspect.
Overall, if you are looking for a linear switch with a smooth and creamy feel, as well as a subdued sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice. However, if you are seeking a silent switch and value sound reduction in your typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch may also be a suitable option, even though its feel is not described in the provided information. Ultimately, the final decision will depend on your personal preferences and priorities when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for key feel and sound profile. If you prefer a light and smooth typing experience with a creamy feel and subdued sound, the TTC Honey linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent typing experience without any specific feel or sound profile mentioned, then the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be the better option. Consider your personal typing preferences and environment when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours based on what typing experience you value the most.
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