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KTT Cream Yellow vs. Outemu Milk Tea

An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When looking at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice their differences in design and functionality. The Cream Yellow is a linear switch that stands out for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch that does not have a standout feature but provides a different typing experience altogether. While the Cream Yellow is best suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback and a bouncy typing feel, the Milk Tea offers a different tactile experience that some users may prefer. 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

58g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.50 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

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

18mm spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Outemu Milk Tea, it is evident that both switches share similarities in their nylon bottom housings. Nylon, being a classic switch housing material, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, providing a distinct typing experience for users of both switches.

However, when it comes to the top housings, the Cream Yellow stands out with its polycarbonate material, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in switch housings leads to a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a newer material called Ly in its top housing, offering a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Cream Yellow is especially useful for users looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience.

In terms of overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials in each switch play a significant role. The bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall typing feedback and sensation. In contrast, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, adding another layer to the typing experience. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound profile of nylon or the sharper and crisper sound profile of polycarbonate, the housing materials of the Cream Yellow and Milk Tea offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Milk Tea's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Cream Yellow at 58 grams is higher than the unknown bottom out force of the Milk Tea. This makes the Cream Yellow switch slightly heavier overall. The actuation force is crucial for triggering a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the force required to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions might lean towards the Milk Tea, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Cream Yellow. In the case that both switches have the same actuation and bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and feel.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Cream Yellow is ideal for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, especially favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch would be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a deeper key press sensation due to its longer travel distance. Both switches provide a different typing experience based on their travel distance, but the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness or depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.

The Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.

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

Overall, the Cream Yellow switch is praised for its distinctive clacky sound and bouncy typing feel, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking an audible and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, details regarding the sound and feel of the Milk Tea switch are currently unknown. As a result, if you are looking for a switch with a clacky sound and bouncy feel similar to the Cream Yellow, it is recommended to opt for the Cream Yellow switch to ensure you get the desired results. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right switch for your typing experience, so it is advisable to test out different switches to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter bottom out force and are not concerned with the sound profile, the Milk Tea might be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.

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