HMX Game1989 vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and usage style, particularly between linear and tactile switches. The HMX 1989 is revered as the deepest and most "thocky" option in the HMX Film switch series, offering a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that appeals to gamers and typists who enjoy a fast, fluid feel without any tactile bumps. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch delivers a tactile response that provides users with a distinctive feedback on actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who seek both a satisfying typing experience and greater precision in their key presses. Each of these switches caters to different types of users—those who prioritize speed may lean towards the linear HMX 1989, while those who value feedback and a tactile sensation may favor the Milk Tea. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Game1989 Linear

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX 1989 switch and the Outemu Milk Tea switch both showcase a thoughtful selection of materials, resulting in distinctive sound profiles. The top housing of the HMX 1989 is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound. This translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing light to penetrate beautifully through the case and create an inviting visual experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea features Ly as its top housing material, which is noted for delivering a bright sound signature characterized by resonant clacks—a quality that suggests it may also aim for a crisp tonal experience, though possibly with a slightly different acoustics due to the specific properties of the Ly material. Both switches are designed to provide a pronounced auditory feedback, making them suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate a tactile typing experience.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals an interesting similarity, as both the HMX 1989 and the Outemu Milk Tea utilize nylon. Nylon, a classic choice for switch manufacturing, is recognized for its ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This soft plastic helps to create a rounder typing experience, minimizing harshness and evoking a warm, inviting feedback. While their top housings differ, the presence of nylon in both switches ensures that the foundation of the auditory experience—particularly the sound and feel during bottoming out—remains consistent. The harmonious blending of sound properties from the nylon bottom provides a fuller typing experience across both switch types, offsetting the differences in their respective top materials.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches influences their overall performance and feedback, while showcasing the intrinsic qualities each material possesses. When considering the interaction between the two housing types, the HMX 1989's polycarbonate top lends itself to a bright, resonant exit sound when releasing a key, while the Milk Tea's Ly housing delivers a similar clarity—though potentially distinct in timbre. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing establishes a shared foundation that resonates with a rich and dull sound quality, enhancing the experience as both switches offer users a nuanced yet recognizable auditory feedback. In executing a similar keystroke, users of either switch may enjoy comparable results in terms of deeper tones while the higher-pitched aspects may reflect the specific properties of the top housing materials used.

Weight

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a comparable actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to initiating key presses, making either switch suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two. The HMX 1989 has a defined bottom out force of 53 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis of their performance. Consequently, while both switches share the same actuation force, the HMX 1989 is heavier overall due to its specified bottom out weight, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel. Users who prefer a lighter switch may find the Milk Tea more appealing, though the lack of specific bottom out force data limits a full comparison.

Travel distance

The HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both share an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of key press depth. This equal travel distance ensures that users will feel consistent feedback when pressing down on the keys, making either option suitable for those who prefer a similar tactile sensation. Since both switches exhibit the same travel distance, users can expect comparable results in terms of actuation and overall typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX 1989 linear switch is renowned for its deep and thocky sound profile, which delivers a satisfying acoustic experience during typing and gaming. This makes it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a smooth auditory feedback that complements the tactile nature of key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, while lacking specific accolades, also presents its own unique sound characteristics that may cater to users seeking a less pronounced but still pleasing auditory experience. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can significantly vary based on the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, making them both potentially versatile in different setups.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the HMX 1989 is noted for its smooth linear action, which provides an uninterrupted keystroke experience ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions. This quality allows for quick actuation without the resistance often found in tactile switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offers a more distinct tactile bump, which can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer a noticeable feedback mechanism. This tactile sensation gives a different kind of engagement, making it suited for those who enjoy feeling their keystrokes more prominently.

Ultimately, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. If a user values a deeper, thocky sound and smooth keystrokes, the 1989 is a stellar choice, whereas the Milk Tea appeals to those who prefer a tactile response with their typing. Both switches can provide satisfying experiences, but they'll cater to different styles of typing and sound preferences, leading to a distinctive yet enjoyable keyboard experience for each user.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch comes down to your personal preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you favor a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a deeper, thocky sound and feel, the HMX 1989 linear switch would be the optimal choice for you. It is well-suited for gaming and fast-paced typing where you seek a responsive and consistent keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile sensation that provides noticeable feedback on actuation, you might find the Outemu Milk Tea switch more aligned with your needs. Although its specifications aren't detailed here, tactile switches can often enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and sound during their input. Ultimately, consider how you primarily use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or a mix of both—and choose the switch that enhances that experience most effectively.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Game1989 Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more