TTC Honey vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent White, both of which are linear switches. The TTC Honey is renowned for its smooth and creamy feel, making typing a luxurious experience. Additionally, these switches produce a deep and pleasant sound profile that adds to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White switches do not have a standout feature but are known for their overall performance. The Honey switch is categorized as 'Subdued', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'Subtle', 'Polished', while the Silent White switch does not have any specific categorization. Determining which switch to choose ultimately depends on personal preferences 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent White both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent White's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Honey's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The choice of housing material in a switch plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of typing. For switches with different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each material contribute to different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing, whether it is made of polycarbonate or nylon, has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Meanwhile, the top housing, with its stiffer polycarbonate material in the case of the Honey, plays a larger role in creating the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the housing materials of the TTC Honey and the Outemu Silent White may differ in their bottom housings, both switches share the crisp and clear sound profile created by their polycarbonate top housings. The choice between the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of nylon ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing feel. Whether it be the stiffer and more resonant polycarbonate of the Honey or the softer and more absorbent nylon of the Silent White, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, it is clear that the Honey switch is lighter in both aspects. The Honey has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Silent White switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Honey switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Silent White switch for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Honey linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. In terms of travel distance, the Honey switch is longer than the Silent White switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Choosing between the two would come down to personal preference - the shorter travel distance of the Silent White switch may provide quicker feedback, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Honey switch may offer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, both switches are suitable options 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 Silent White 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
The TTC Honey linear switch is known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a silky typing sensation that allows for effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White linear switch does not have specific descriptions regarding its feel. When it comes to sound, the Honey switch offers a subdued and pleasant sound profile, while the Silent White switch does not have any information available on its sound characteristics. Overall, the TTC Honey switch appears to excel in both feel and sound aspects, providing a smooth and quiet typing experience. If you are looking for a similar typing experience with a quieter sound profile, the Outemu Silent White switch may be a viable option to consider. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the overall typing experience with any switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and enjoy a smooth and creamy typing experience with a pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent White linear switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of feel and sound.
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