TTC Honey vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the TTC Honey and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are a plethora of options available in the market. Two popular choices among enthusiasts are the TTC Honey and the Outemu Phoenix switches. The TTC Honey, a linear switch, is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, providing a frictionless typing experience. Moreover, it boasts a deep and pleasant sound profile, adding to the overall typing satisfaction. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch, stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most distinctive clicky switches available today. The Phoenix offers a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile that adds a satisfying crunch to every keystroke. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Phoenix are both made of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This means that both switches will have similar characteristics in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The use of polycarbonate in the housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize audio feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is an advantage for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion and visibility.
However, while the housing materials are the same, it's important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the bottom and top of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt more prominently, as it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing will have more of an impact on the sound produced. Therefore, while the housing materials are the same, the distribution of these qualities may differ slightly between the two switches.
In summary, both the TTC Honey and the Outemu Phoenix utilize polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in similar sound profiles and aesthetic benefits. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which is especially desirable for those looking for enhanced audio feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB lighting enthusiasts. However, it's important to consider that the qualities of the housing materials may be distributed differently between the bottom and top of the switch, which can impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Honey switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the unknown actuation force of the Phoenix switch. This means that the Honey switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, providing a lighter and potentially smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Honey switch is 50 grams, while the Phoenix switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Phoenix switch requires more force to fully press down, giving a more substantial and pronounced typing feel.
In terms of weight preference, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Honey switch due to its lower actuation force. This is especially beneficial for those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, users who desire a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards options with heavier forces, such as the Phoenix switch with its heavier bottom out force.
Although the actuation force of the Phoenix switch is unknown, if it happens to be similar to the 42 grams of the Honey switch, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the noticeable difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Phoenix switch being heavier at 62 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is clear that the Honey has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Phoenix's 3.3 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with the Honey switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance of travel compared to the Phoenix switch. 4.0 mm is considered to be the most traditional travel distance, while 3.0 mm is the most shallow. However, in recent years, shorter travel distances have become more common, particularly favored by gamers who desire faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive key press, the Phoenix switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. Conversely, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, in which case the Honey switch with its longer travel distance would provide a deeper and more satisfying key press. Overall, both switches offer different experiences but can cater to individual preferences depending on whether shorter or longer travel distances are preferred.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 when pressed. It produces a dampened sound that is not completely silent but has a more subtle and mellow sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as crunchy. This means that it produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It offers a more pronounced and satisfying click sound when pressed. However, 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.
Moving on to the feel, the Honey switch is known for its creamy typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used. The Honey switch can also be described as frictionless, meaning it minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressed, resulting in a fluid and effortless typing experience. It is also considered subtle, providing a gentle resistance without being too feather-light, making it suitable for shared spaces. The polished finish of the Honey switch adds to its sleek and refined feel, reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch also features a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While specific details about the feel of the Phoenix switch are not provided, it can be assumed to provide a similar smooth and refined typing experience as the Honey switch due to the shared descriptor of being polished.
To summarize, the Honey linear switch is best known for its smooth and creamy feel, offering a buttery and frictionless typing experience. It also produces a subdued and pleasant sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is unique in the clicky switch category and provides a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile. While more information about the feel of the Phoenix switch is not available, its polished finish suggests a smooth and refined typing experience similar to the Honey switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Honey linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience with a dampened sound, the Honey switch with its 50-gram bottom out force and smooth and creamy feel would be suitable for you. It offers a deep and pleasant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle sound signature. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a unique and sparkling typing experience with a clicky sound, the Phoenix switch with its under-skirt click mechanism would be a great choice. With a 62-gram bottom out force and a crystalline feel, this switch is known for its unmatched clicky sensation. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preferences for feel and sound.
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