Gateron CM vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference in feel and sound. The Gateron CM switch, characterized as a linear switch, offers a buttery and polished typing experience, enhanced by its full nylon housing that produces a rich, low-pitched sound signature. This switch features a meticulous factory lubrication that contributes to its frictionless glide, making typing a delightfully smooth and bouncy affair, perfect for those who enjoy a lighter feel and noise-dampened environment. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may not have a well-defined reputation like the CM, but it presents a different typing experience to those who appreciate tactile feedback—the subtle bump below the actuation point provides a reassuring response that many typists crave for accurate key presses. While linear switches like the Gateron CM are often favored for their smoothness and speed in gaming, tactile switches like the Milk Tea can enhance the typing experience for those who write or code extensively. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CM and Outemu Milk Tea switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct auditory experiences during typism. The Gateron CM employs a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea incorporates a Ly top housing, which offers a brighter sound signature characterized by resonant clacks. The difference in materials creates a noticeable variance in the acoustics of each switch; the CM's nylon promotes a rounded, muted sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly material results in a more pronounced and vibrant acoustic feedback when keys are released.

Both switches share a nylon material for their bottom housings, which further complicates their sound profiles. The nylon in both cases yields similar auditory characteristics, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound that dampens noise. Since the bottom housing influences the bottom-out feel of the switch, the Gateron CM and Outemu Milk Tea will still display that classic, muted nylon sensation upon key press. This shared material ensures that while the top end of the switches diverges in auditory response, the bottom-end experience remains consistent, thus providing a complementary balance between the two.

In summary, while the Gateron CM and Outemu Milk Tea both feature nylon bottom housings that produce a deeper, fuller sound, their top housings diverge significantly. The CM's nylon top delivers a subdued auditory profile, whereas the Milk Tea's Ly top enhances the key release with a bright, resonant sound. As a result, users will experience distinct soundscapes depending on the switch mechanism chosen, but the underlying stability offered by the nylon bottom housing will ensure that the tactile response remains notably similar. This interplay of materials contributes to the overall user experience, allowing typists to choose based on their preference for sound and feel while recognizing the underlying consistency in bottom-end performance.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Gateron CM has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Milk Tea switch. This difference means that users looking for a lighter feel for extended typing sessions might prefer the Milk Tea, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the CM's heavier force more satisfying. Additionally, the bottom-out force of the CM switch is 63.5 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when the key is fully pressed down, while the bottom-out force for the Milk Tea is unknown. Consequently, users seeking a definitive feedback at the bottom of the keystroke may favor the Gateron CM switch, particularly due to its specified bottom-out force. Overall, those who prefer lighter switches will gravitate towards the Milk Tea, while the Gateron CM appeals to those who value a heavier actuation and defined bottoming out experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Gateron CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Outemu Milk Tea has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the CM provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Milk Tea's longer travel distance offers a more traditional feel that some users might prefer for a more satisfying tactile experience. If you're looking for a quicker actuation, the Gateron CM is the better option, while those who enjoy a deeper press might gravitate towards the Outemu Milk Tea.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is distinguished by its remarkably bassy and thocky profile, which produces a deep, rich sound with each keystroke. This low-pitched character gives the CM an appealing auditory depth, reminiscent of a soft "thud" or a gentle "knock" that many typists find satisfying. Its sound profile is further amplified by the switch's unique full nylon housing and the meticulous factory lube job, creating a resonance that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not provide an established sound profile, leaving the typist in the dark regarding its auditory characteristics.

When it comes to feel, the CM linear switch excels with an array of descriptors that reflect its plush and smooth typing experience. Users will find the CM switches buttery and polished, thanks to the factory lube and the materials used in their construction. Typists can expect a creamy and frictionless sensation, allowing for effortless gliding across the keys, which enhances prolonged typing comfort. In comparison, the Milk Tea tactile switch lacks any defined qualitative insights on feel, rendering it an uncertain option in this regard.

Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch clearly stands out with its rich sound and incredibly smooth tactile feedback, providing a truly immersive typing experience characterized by depth and luxury. While both the Gateron CM and Outemu Milk Tea switches may deliver satisfying results, the CM shines with readily available information about its engaging auditory signature and refined feel. As it stands, the Milk Tea switch lacks clarity in sound and feel, leaving potential users to wonder about its performance without substantial anecdotal evidence. Thus, if a satisfying sound and feel are essential to your keyboard experience, the Gateron CM would be the preferable choice.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you value a smooth, buttery typing experience combined with a robust and deep sound signature, the Gateron CM would be an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams can provide a satisfying level of resistance that many typists appreciate, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming, where precision and feedback are important. The switch's full nylon housing and impressive factory lube work enhance the glide, making every keystroke feel refined and effortless. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more engaging tactile feel with pronounced feedback on each key press, the Outemu Milk Tea might be the better option for you. Although its specifications aren’t as detailed, tactile switches are typically favored by those who enjoy a noticeable bump to indicate actuation, which can be particularly beneficial for typing accuracy. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style and preferences—choose the Gateron CM for smoothness and sound, and reach for the Milk Tea if tactile feedback is your priority.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more