TTC Honey vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade 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 Jade. The TTC Honey is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy feel, along with a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that offers a quiet typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, featuring a unique translucent jade yellow housing and a punchy tactile bump. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences - whether you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with the Honey or a silent yet tactile typing experience with the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Honey features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade incorporates a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. This contrast illustrates how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch.
While the top housings of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade differ in material, their bottom housings also showcase a distinct contrast. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey contributes to its sharp and resonant sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Yellow Jade enhances its deeper and rounder sound quality. This variance in bottom housing material further highlights how the selection of housing materials can affect the sound output and tactile feel of a switch, offering users a customized typing experience based on their preferences for sound and feel.
It is crucial to note that the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch allows for a combination of sound qualities from each material. In the case of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade, this means that the sound profile of each switch is a blend of the characteristics of their polycarbonate and nylon housings. While the Honey may offer a sharper and crisper sound on key release due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Silent Yellow Jade provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, attributed to its nylon top housing. Ultimately, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the auditory and tactile experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
The TTC Honey linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch. The Honey requires 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Yellow Jade needs 50 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out. This makes the Honey more ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, making it a better choice for users who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Both switches provide different weight options to cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the switch that best suits their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the TTC Honey has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The difference in travel distance may not be significant enough to noticeably impact performance, so either switch can provide a similar experience in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly longer or shorter travel distance.
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 Jade 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
Overall, when comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The TTC Honey linear switch is lauded for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a refined typing experience, while also featuring a deep and pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, thanks to its factory-lubed switches and unique translucent jade yellow housing.
In terms of sound, the Honey switch produces a more subdued sound compared to the punchy tactile bump of the Silent Yellow Jade. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade may be more appealing to you. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more pleasant sound profile, the Honey switch might be the better choice.
When it comes to feel, the Honey switch offers a smooth and frictionless typing experience, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. On the other hand, the feel of the Silent Yellow Jade switch is not explicitly described, but being a tactile switch, it is likely to provide a distinct tactile bump during typing.
In conclusion, both the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing style and preferences regarding sound and feel. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycap combinations will help you determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, then the TTC Honey linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a quiet and tactile typing experience with a satisfying "thocky" sound, and a unique translucent jade yellow housing, then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.
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