HMX Canglan V2 vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come into discussion are the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Milk Tea switches. The HMX Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky linear feel, which offers a remarkably smooth and light typing experience, enhanced by its carefully crafted materials and improved molding techniques. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prefer a silent yet satisfying keypress, ideal for both gaming and typing without any tactile feedback distractions. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea stands out as a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke. While the Canglan V2 may appeal to users looking for a tranquil, fluid experience, the Milk Tea's tactile feedback caters to those who appreciate a bit more connection to their actions. 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 Canglan V2 Linear

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Canglan V2 and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, it's essential to highlight the different characteristics of their respective top housings. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials. As a result, when typing on the Canglan V2, users can expect a duller and rounder sound, making it particularly suited for those who prefer a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea's top housing is made from Ly, a newer material that delivers a bright sound signature with more resonant clacks. This material can create a more pronounced typing experience, emphasizing the auditory feedback of each keystroke. Therefore, while both materials influence sound, they do so in drastically different ways, appealing to diverse preferences among typists.

When we look at the bottom housings of the two switches, we see a convergence of materials that results in similar sound characteristics. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, and as previously mentioned, this classic material fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since the bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users of either the Canglan V2 or the Milk Tea can expect to experience that characteristic dullness and roundness throughout their typing sessions. This shared material means that despite their differences in top housing, the two switches will yield analogous auditory results when bottoming out, due to the shared properties of softness and sound absorption offered by nylon.

The combination of differing top housings and similar bottom housings in both the Canglan V2 and Milk Tea showcases how the materials utilized can dramatically shape the typing experience. Users will undoubtedly feel the contrast in sound as they lift their fingers from the keys, with the Milk Tea offering a brighter, more pronounced auditory cue and the Canglan V2 providing a more subdued, fuller sound during release. However, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing ensures a consistent baseline performance in terms of feel and sound when the keys are fully depressed. Ultimately, each switch caters to distinct typing preferences, allowing users to choose based not only on tactile feedback but also on the sound profiles they find most enjoyable.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch with its actuation force of 42 grams and bottom out force of 48 grams to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force, we can observe some notable differences in force characteristics. The HMX Canglan V2 is lighter overall, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch, with its slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, offers a bit more resistance, catering to users who enjoy a firmer feel when typing. While the bottom out force for the Milk Tea is not available, it leaves a gap in comparison; however, the known actuation forces suggest that users seeking a lighter typing experience should lean towards the Canglan V2, whereas those who prefer a sturdier tactile feel might gravitate towards the Milk Tea switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Canglan V2 features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Milk Tea's travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Canglan V2 a more responsive option, appealing to those who enjoy quicker actuation for gaming or fast-paced activities. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Tea's slightly longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a deeper key press for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, those seeking quicker response times should opt for the Canglan V2, while those who appreciate a fuller travel experience might lean towards the Milk Tea switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The HMX Canglan V2 switch is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound signature, which appeals to enthusiasts looking for a richer acoustic experience when typing. This satisfying auditory feedback is a result of its high-quality materials and improved molding techniques. While the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch doesn't have specific sound characteristics mentioned, users often gravitate toward tactile switches for a noticeable bump that can still produce a pleasant sound, especially with the right board and keycaps. However, the overall acoustic performance of the Milk Tea is somewhat unknown as it's not a defining feature like it is for the Canglan V2.

When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 stands out with its smooth and light typing experience, making it enjoyable for prolonged use without causing finger fatigue. Its linear nature allows for seamless keystrokes, which many users appreciate for both gaming and typing scenarios. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch's tactile feel isn't specifically outlined, but tactile switches generally provide a noticeable resistance that can enhance the typing experience. This resistance feels distinct from the linear smoothness of the Canglan V2, making for a more pronounced feedback during keypresses.

In conclusion, the HMX Canglan V2 offers a unique auditory and tactile experience that is favored by many in the mechanical keyboard community, primarily due to its deep thockiness and smooth, lightweight feel. In contrast, while the Outemu Milk Tea's sound profile and tactile feedback are less defined, it can still provide a pleasant experience typically associated with tactile switches. Ultimately, both switches will cater to different preferences, with the Canglan V2 best suited for those who prioritize sound and smoothness, while the Milk Tea may appeal to those who prefer the tactile bump that could lend a more engaging typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and what you seek in your mechanical keyboard experience. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless keypress with a light bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a deeper, thocky sound that enhances your typing experience. This switch is perfect for both gaming and general typing, providing a satisfying feedback that leads to quicker and more fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you find that tactile feedback is essential for your typing style, you may want to explore other options since the availability of detailed specifications for the Outemu Milk Tea is limited. While the Milk Tea switch might be appealing for its potential tactile feel, understanding your need for a specific type of feedback is crucial since features like sound and feel play a significant role in overall satisfaction. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you desire the smoothness and sound profile of the Canglan V2 or if you prefer to keep an eye out for a more tactile experience in future switches.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Canglan V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more