HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Milk Blue offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Canglan V2, a linear switch, is celebrated for its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more muted typing experience that emphasizes fluidity and a lighter touch. Its superior construction and sound quality appeal to enthusiasts who seek both performance and a rich auditory feedback without the distraction of clicks. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue, renowned for its clicky design, provides pronounced auditory and tactile feedback with every keystroke, making it a top choice for typists who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of a click while typing. This switch is particularly suitable for those who type often, as it can enhance the typing rhythm and overall engagement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Milk Blue, noteworthy contrasts arise primarily from the top housing compositions. The Canglan V2 employs nylon for its top housing, providing a sound profile characterized by a deeper, fuller resonance. Nylon's softer nature contributes to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Milk Blue features polycarbonate for its top housing, which transforms the sound profile to a sharper, higher-pitched, and more crisp output. This difference can create distinct auditory experiences when typing, driven by the inherent properties of each material. With the Canglan V2's nylon top, users may enjoy a more muted sound ideal for quieter settings, while the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top can appeal to users looking for clearer and more resonant feedback, especially when RGB lighting is involved since polycarbonate’s translucency enhances visual effects.

When turning attention to the bottom housing, both the Canglan V2 and the Milk Blue share a commonality in material: nylon. This shared composition ensures that both keyboards will exhibit similar characteristics concerning sound depth and overall feel when keys are pressed. In this case, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing means that both switches will provide a deeper, fuller sound profile upon bottoming out. Given that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the perceived sound and sensation during actuation, users can expect a consistent tactile experience across both models. Thus, while the overall sound experience is influenced by the top housing material difference, users will likely find a sense of familiarity in the feel and sound when pressing the keys down due to the shared nylon bottom.

Ultimately, the interplay of top and bottom housings in these switches highlights how material selection can shape the user experience. The HMX Canglan V2 showcases diversified sound profiles characterized by the contrast between the subdued qualities of nylon and the clarity offered by polycarbonate. Meanwhile, the similarity in bottom housing materials binds the two experiences, ensuring that the tactile feedback when engaging with the keys remains consistent. Whether opting for the Canglan V2 or the Milk Blue, users can enjoy the unique auditory traits brought forth by their respective top housings, while appreciating an encompassing familiar essence rooted in the nylon bottom housing's performance.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, notable differences can be seen in their actuation forces. The Canglan V2 has a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Milk Blue features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which appeals to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, though its bottom out force is not specified. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch that minimizes fatigue during prolonged use, the Canglan V2 is the better option, while those who enjoy a firmer feedback might prefer the heavier actuation of the Milk Blue. Overall, the Canglan V2's lower actuation force makes it more comfortable for longer periods, whereas the Milk Blue's higher force could provide a more deliberate keystroke feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we find that the Canglan V2 has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Canglan V2, you'll experience a shorter key press, which can enhance responsiveness and reduce actuation time—preferences often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Blue, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional and deeper typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a substantial feel in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for quicker interactions, the Canglan V2 would be the suitable choice, while the Milk Blue caters to those who prefer a more pronounced keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound signature, which is a standout quality that many enthusiasts appreciate. This rich auditory profile stems from its carefully selected materials and advanced molding techniques, creating a more immersive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch likely features a sharper, more distinct auditory feedback due to its clicky design, which appeals to those who enjoy a pronounced sound with each keystroke. The differences in sound between these two switches highlight the unique preferences they cater to—while the Canglan V2 offers a smooth and deep resonance, the Milk Blue provides a more traditional, tactile click.

When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 is characterized by a smooth and light touch, allowing for effortless keystrokes that many users find enjoyable for extended typing sessions. This smoothness enhances its desirable linear nature, making each key press fluid and seamless. On the other hand, the Milk Blue is known for its clicky feedback, delivering a tactile bump that not only provides a satisfying sensation but also gives audible confirmation of actuation. This can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more dynamic interaction with their keys, even though the force required to press down may be different from the lighter feel of the Canglan V2.

In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 and Outemu Milk Blue switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Canglan V2 offers a thocky sound and a light, smooth feel, making it appealing for users who appreciate linear switches. In contrast, the Milk Blue combines a distinct clicky sound with a tactile feel, suited for those who enjoy audible and physical feedback with their typing. Ultimately, both switches provide unique experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a smoother and lighter touch, with a satisfying deep sound signature that enhances your typing experience, the Canglan V2 is the ideal choice. Its 48-gram bottom-out force ensures that you'll enjoy a responsive feel without requiring excessive force, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions and gaming where speed is of the essence. On the other hand, if you love the tactile feedback and distinctive clicky sound of a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience, the Outemu Milk Blue switch could be appealing. While it’s noted for a more pronounced actuation feel, it’s essential to consider that your typing may be a bit louder, which could be a factor if working in shared spaces. Ultimately, the right choice hinges on whether you value a smooth, quieter writing experience versus a tactile, clicky sound—a reflection of your individual style and usage habits.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more