KTT Ash Gray vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it becomes clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a tactile response that strikes the perfect balance between being substantial yet unobtrusive. With a light touch and crisp actuation, this switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch does not have a specific standout feature, but may appeal to those who prefer a more understated tactile experience. The Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', while the Milk Tea's characteristics remain unspecified. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Milk Tea both feature polycarbonate top housings that create sharper, higher-pitched sound profiles. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic material, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. However, the Ash Gray's top housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers bright, resonant clacks when typing. The differences in aesthetic and sound signature between the two top housings cater to different user preferences.
On the other hand, both the Ash Gray and the Milk Tea utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, and offers a softer feel when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches using the same material for their bottom housing, the difference in sound and feel primarily comes from how the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing.
In conclusion, while the KTT Ash Gray and the Outemu Milk Tea share similarities in using nylon for their bottom housings, their differences lie in their top housings. The Ash Gray's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and resonant sound profile suitable for RGB lighting effects, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a bright and resonant typing experience. Users can choose between the switches based on their preference for sound profile, aesthetics, and overall typing experience depending on the housing materials used.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Ash Gray is lighter in terms of actuation force at 38 grams compared to the Milk Tea's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires a heavier force of 53 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. The Ash Gray provides a medium-light typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's actuation force is slightly heavier, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray falls on the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the more traditional 4 mm distance of the Milk Tea. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Ash Gray due to its shorter travel distance, while those who appreciate a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milk Tea. Both switches offer tactile feedback but the Ash Gray provides a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance, while the Milk Tea offers a bit more depth to each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Outemu Milk Tea 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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes and user levels. On the other hand, there is no information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is highlighted for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force for activation. This results in a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended use. Additionally, the mild tactile feedback provided by the switch ensures a pleasant and approachable typing feel for most users. Unfortunately, there is no information provided about the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch.
In conclusion, based on the available information, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch stands out for its moderate sound profile, easy-to-press nature, and mild tactile feedback. While the qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea switch remain unknown, it is likely that users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the specific characteristics that best suit your needs. If you are looking for a medium-light bottom out force with a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, the Ash Gray switch may be the ideal choice for you. The easy-to-press and mild feel of the Ash Gray switch, along with its neutral sound profile, make it suitable for various typing intents and purposes. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unavailable bottom out force and no specific descriptions of sound or feel, the Milk Tea switch may be a suitable alternative. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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