KTT F2 vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT F2 and Outemu Milk Tea offer unique experiences for users. The KTT F2, a linear switch, is praised for its distinct hollow sound signature and medium-light weightiness, providing a comfortable typing experience with a lightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, does not have a specific standout feature but offers a different typing feel compared to the F2. While the F2 is categorized as feather, mild, neutral, subdued, and subtle, the Milk Tea does not fall into any specific category. In general, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience, the Milk Tea might be the way to go, while the F2 is a good choice for those looking for a unique sound signature. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The KTT F2 and the Outemu Milk Tea both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The F2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, leading to a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing is newer and offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both housing materials aim to enhance sound quality, the F2's polycarbonate top housing is more aligned with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a unique sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the KTT F2 utilizes polycarbonate, which again contributes to a sharper and clear sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, creating a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both bottom housing materials play a crucial role in the overall sound experience of the switches, with the F2 offering a sharper sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing and the Milk Tea providing a deeper sound with its nylon bottom housing.
Due to the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, the KTT F2 and the Outemu Milk Tea offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The impact of each housing material is felt differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or letting go. The F2's polycarbonate housing materials contribute to a sharp and crisp sound, while the Milk Tea's housing materials create a bright and resonant sound experience. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in enhancing sound quality, with each providing a distinct typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The KTT F2 linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the F2 at 53 grams and the Milk Tea's force being unknown. The F2 switch provides a medium-light feel overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force, potentially providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Milk Tea switch offers a slightly longer key travel experience compared to the F2 switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might lean towards the F2 switch due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Milk Tea switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT F2 comes in at $3.90, 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 KTT F2 linear switch offers a unique hollow sound signature, setting it apart from other switches. It falls under the categories of both neutral and subdued, making it suitable for various purposes while producing a dampened sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown, leaving room for experimentation with different boards and keycaps to determine the overall sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the F2 switch provides a lightly textured typing experience with a medium-light weightiness, offering a comfortable balance between force and responsiveness. It falls under descriptors such as feathery, mild, and subtle, indicating a light and gentle typing feel with reduced finger fatigue. However, the tactile feel of the Milk Tea switch remains unknown, leaving its tactile characteristics a mystery for users to discover through personal testing.
In conclusion, the KTT F2 linear switch stands out for its unique hollow sound signature, medium-light weightiness, and lightly textured feel, making it a versatile and comfortable option for various typing needs. The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, although lacking information on its sound and feel qualities, presents an exciting opportunity for keyboard enthusiasts to explore and experiment with to uncover its unique characteristics. Both switches offer the potential for a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience, providing users with options to tailor their keyboard setup to their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a distinct hollow sound signature and a medium-light switch that offers a lightly textured feel, the F2 would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a switch that is best known for a certain quality, the Milk Tea may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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