Kailh Box White vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Tea offer unique experiences for users. The Kailh Box White is a clicky switch, providing maximum audio feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While the Box White is categorized as 'Resonant', 'High-pitched', 'Crunchy', and 'Polished', the Milk Tea does not have specific characteristics listed. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Tea both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharp, high-pitched sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks during typing. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, the Milk Tea may offer a slightly different sound profile due to other design factors.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Tea utilize nylon as the material of choice. Nylon is known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. While the top housings of these switches may differ, the common use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Kailh Box White and the Outemu Milk Tea significantly impacts the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While both switches use polycarbonate top housings, the Milk Tea's unique Ly material may offer a slightly different sound signature. However, the shared use of nylon for the bottom housings ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharp, resonant sound profile or a bright, clacky typing experience, both switches offer high-quality housing materials to suit your preferences.
Weight
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Box White offering a more substantial push feel due to its heavier force requirements. On the other hand, the Milk Tea may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. In terms of weight, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to different preferences, with the Box White being on the heavier side and the Milk Tea leaning towards a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's typing style and 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 Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Box White has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. The difference may not seem significant, but for users who prefer a shorter distance for quicker response times, the Box White may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press and a longer travel distance may find the Outemu Milk Tea more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches provide tactile feedback and actuation points, so the typing experience will be similar in terms of feel, despite the slight difference in travel distance.
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 Tea 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 characteristics, providing a sharp and crisp sound akin to stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is unavailable. Both switches have a unique sound profile, but if you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the Box White would be the suitable choice.
When it comes to feel, the Box White switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch. If you prefer a switch with a polished feel for a sleek typing experience, the Box White would be a good option.
Overall, the Kailh Box White clicky switch is ideal for those seeking maximum audio feedback with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, limited information is available on the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, so it may be worth exploring further to determine if it meets your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities, but sticking with the Box White may provide a similar tactile and auditory experience to ensure satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a satisfying auditory experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, as well as a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, then the Kailh Box White clicky switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and refined typing experience, without a specified bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel while typing.
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