TTC Honey vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Outemu Lime. The Honey is known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a pleasant typing experience. It also offers a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall satisfaction of using these switches. On the other hand, the Lime switches are unique in their lightweight nature and approachable tactility. They are also silenced, making them perfect for those who prefer a featherlight typing experience with just a touch of tactility. While these are general pointers to consider, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the switch that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
The housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Lime switches, both in their top and bottom housings, demonstrate distinct characteristics that impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Honey employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic creates a clear and resonant sound when the key is released. In contrast, the Lime utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound upon key release.
While the housing materials differ between the Honey and the Lime, they both have distinctive properties that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Honey and the nylon top housing of the Lime provide unique sound signatures. The Honey's polycarbonate material offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Lime's nylon material delivers a deeper and fuller sound. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize the same materials. This similarity means that the qualities associated with the polycarbonate or nylon material relating to the bottom housing will have a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the Honey and the Lime comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile. The Honey, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, is suitable for those seeking a sharper and crisper sound when pressing a key and when releasing it. On the other hand, the Lime, with its nylon top and bottom housings, offers a deeper and fuller sound experience while typing. Both switches provide unique advantages based on their respective housing materials, allowing users to find the ideal balance between sound and feel for their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Honey switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lime switch has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a lighter typing experience, which is beneficial for individuals who prefer extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming sessions. However, it is worth noting that the Honey switch has slightly heavier forces compared to the Lime switch.
For individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel, the Honey switch may be the preferable choice. Its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a more solid and tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a slightly lighter touch, which may be more suitable for those who prioritize long typing sessions without excessive finger fatigue. Despite the slight difference in forces, both switches offer a smooth and responsive typing experience. Therefore, individuals who opt for either the Honey or Lime switch can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch is 3.8 mm, whereas the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch is 3.3 mm. Both switches have travel distances that deviate slightly from the traditional 4.0 mm range. The Honey switch falls on the longer side of the spectrum, while the Lime switch is slightly shorter. In terms of responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Lime switch may be favorable for gamers seeking faster response times. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press experience may lean towards the Honey switch with its longer travel distance. While there are slight differences in travel distance between these switches, both options can provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences.
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 Lime comes in at $3.40 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 is best described as having a deep and pleasant sound profile. While not completely silent, these switches produce a more subdued sound compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile that is muted and softer in comparison. This makes the Lime switch suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, especially in shared spaces. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the TTC Honey linear switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience. These switches have a lubricant applied at the factory and possibly specific materials, resulting in a silky sensation as you glide your fingers across the keys. The switch offers a frictionless and buttery keystroke experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressed. Additionally, the Honey switch is described as having a subtle resistance and a polished finish, contributing to a sleek and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch provides a mild and approachable tactility. It offers a gentle typing experience with a feather-light actuation force that requires little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Similar to the Honey switch, the Lime switch also features a subtle resistance, a polished finish, and reduced friction for smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the subjective qualities of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch differ. The Honey switch showcases a smooth and creamy feel with a deep and pleasant sound profile. Meanwhile, the Lime switch offers a unique combination of a feather-light typing experience, approachable tactility, and muted sound. Both switches provide a refined and polished typing experience with subtle resistance. However, it's essential to choose the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and intended use, as the ultimate typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as keycap choices and keyboard builds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs.
If you prioritize a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a light and effortless typing feel. They are also described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, and subtle, providing a silky sensation and minimizing any resistance or friction. The subdued sound they produce adds to a more subtle sound signature, making them suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight switch with a touch of tactility and a feathery light typing experience, the Outemu Lime tactile switch is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are incredibly unique. They are described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. The muted sound they produce makes them quieter than regular switches and suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments.
Ultimately, both switches have their strengths and cater to different preferences. Consider your desired typing experience, sound profile, and the level of tactility you prefer to make an informed decision. Happy typing!
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