TTC Honey vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silver both offer a linear typing experience. The TTC Honey is widely recognized for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a pleasant sound profile that is both deep and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a lesser-known option that lacks specific standout features. The Honey switch is often described as 'subdued', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'buttery', 'subtle', and 'polished', appealing to those who prefer a more refined typing experience. In comparison, the Silver switch does not have any specific characteristics attributed to it. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend 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
45g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silver, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that will incorporate RGB lighting. However, the Honey also utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, further enhancing its sound profile with its stiffness. In contrast, the Silver uses a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
The differences in bottom housing materials between the Honey and Silver switches significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing to provide a consistent, sharp sound profile throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the crisper sound produced by its polycarbonate top housing. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of typing.
While both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, the impact of these materials is divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The top housing, whether polycarbonate in the Honey or Silver, plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. On the other hand, the bottom housing material, whether polycarbonate in the Honey or nylon in the Silver, influences the bottom-out sound and feel of typing. These distinctions showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly influence the overall typing experience and sound profile of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The actuation force of the Honey switch is 42 grams, while the Silver switch requires 45 grams, making the Honey the lighter of the two. In terms of bottom out force, the Honey switch requires 50 grams, while the Silver switch requires 65 grams, indicating that the Silver switch is heavier. For those who prefer a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Honey switch would be the better choice, as it requires less force both to actuate and to bottom out. However, for users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Silver switch would be more suitable due to its heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly shorter than the Outemu Silver linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional options, the Honey switch provides a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Silver switch offers a bit more depth in key press, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key response and feel.
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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened and subtle noise when pressed. This results in a more pleasant and less disruptive typing experience, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Silver linear switch, so it's hard to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Honey linear switch is known for providing a smooth and creamy typing experience. This creamy sensation is attributed to lubrication applied in the switch at the factory, resulting in a buttery and frictionless keystroke experience. Users can expect a silky and effortless typing sensation with the TTC Honey switch. In contrast, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Silver linear switch, making it difficult to compare directly in this regard.
Taking into consideration the available information, the TTC Honey linear switch stands out for its smooth and buttery feel, accompanied by a deep and pleasant sound profile. It offers a typing experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable, perfect for those who prefer a subtle and satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific details regarding its sound and feel qualities, making it challenging to make a direct comparison with the TTC Honey switch. However, given the similarities in their linear switch design, it is likely that users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches in terms of smoothness and linearity. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Honey and Outemu Silver switches may come down to personal preference and specific needs in terms of sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Honey linear switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, it really comes down to personal preference and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing feel 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 slightly heavier bottom out force and are not as concerned about specific sound or feel characteristics, the Outemu Silver linear switch could be a good option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your own typing preferences and what feels most comfortable to you.
Mentioned in this article
