Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to clicky mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Blue. The Box White is favored by those who enjoy maximum audio feedback, as it provides a satisfying "stepping on autumn leaves" crunch with each keystroke. Known for its resonant, high-pitched, crunchy, and polished feel, this switch is perfect for those who prefer a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch offers a clicky typing experience without any specific standout features. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Blue switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer a clear housing which is a common characteristic of polycarbonate material.
In contrast, the differentiation between the two switches comes in the form of their bottom housing material. The Kailh Box White features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder materials, resulting in a rounder and more subdued sound. Similarly, the Outemu Milk Blue also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering the same deep and full sound experience when typing on the switch. This material choice enhances the overall typing experience by providing a unique tactile feedback to the user.
When comparing the overall experience of typing on the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, the combination of the polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both switches results in a balanced sound profile. The stiff nature of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys, while the softer nylon material in the bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound characteristics and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we see that both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Box White slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches being the same means that users can expect similar results when typing on either switch. Some may find the Box White more suitable for longer typing sessions due to its slightly heavier bottom out force, while others may prefer the unknown bottom out force of the Milk Blue for a lighter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Box White the shorter option and the Milk Blue the longer option in terms of travel distance. The Box White's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, while the Milk Blue's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling. Both switches offer a clicky typing experience, but the difference in travel distance can impact the overall feel of typing on each switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10.
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 Kailh Box White clicky switch is known for its resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp noise that resembles stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have any specific descriptors for its sound profile, making it harder to determine how it compares to the Box White in terms of auditory experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch. Without this information, it is difficult to compare the tactile experience of the two switches accurately.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that provides a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile with a polished feel, the Kailh Box White clicky switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer the sound and feel of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch but are unsure of how it compares to the Box White, you may still achieve a similar result based on your personal preferences and typing style. Remember to consider all factors, including sound, feel, and personal preference, when choosing the best mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for the level of tactile feedback and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a crisp, high-pitched sound with a crunchy feel, the Box White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if the absence of a bottom out force and a specific sound or feel is not a concern for you, the Milk Blue switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve with your mechanical keyboard.
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