TTC Flaming Pink vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Flaming Pink and Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Flaming Pink is celebrated for its smooth actuation and responsive feel, providing a seamless typing experience that caters well to both gaming enthusiasts and heavy typists. Its subtle yet satisfying bottom-out sound strikes a balance between tactile feedback and noise, making it ideal for those who appreciate a quieter workspace without compromising on performance. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch known for its pronounced feedback at the actuation point, making it a favored choice for users who enjoy a more engaging typing experience filled with satisfying bumps. This tactile sensation can help improve typing accuracy, making it beneficial for those who spend long hours typing. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feel and sound profile, offering unique benefits depending on your needs. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Milk Tea switches both showcase distinctive sound profiles, driven by their respective housing materials. At the core of the Flaming Pink's performance is its polycarbonate top housing, which is specifically noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates clearly. This property is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which allows for more pronounced sound qualities, particularly when used in tandem with RGB lighting due to its translucent characteristics. In contrast, the Milk Tea's top housing is composed of Ly material, which although newer, offers a brightness in sound signature that results in resonant clacks. Both switches, therefore, embody a clear and vivid auditory experience; however, the Flaming Pink leans towards a crisper note whereas the Milk Tea enhances this with its lively clacking.
On the bottom end, both the TTC Flaming Pink and the Outemu Milk Tea share nylon as their housing material, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s relatively softer composition means these switches absorb more sound than stiffer counterparts, generating a more rounded and duller auditory experience. Since both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, this commonality leads to similar performance characteristics in terms of sound absorption and overall acoustic output. When pressed, the tactile feedback from both switches provides a rich and satisfying experience, aligned with the classic properties associated with nylon-built switches.
The combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of each switch leads to a fascinating interplay of auditory results. For the TTC Flaming Pink, the polycarbonate top enhances the clarity and resonance, while the nylon bottom grounds that brightness with its richer, softer tones. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Tea maintains a brighter sound from its top housing while still benefiting from the deeper notes provided by the nylon bottom. Users can expect a diversified sound signature when typing on these switches; though their materials differ on top, the shared nylon base ensures that they evoke similar lower frequencies, allowing for a multifaceted auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a balance of clarity and warmth.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the key differences in actuation force reveal a lighter feel for the Flaming Pink. With an actuation force of 43 grams, it requires slightly less effort to register a keystroke compared to the Milk Tea's actuation force of 45 grams, making the Flaming Pink generally more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force for the Flaming Pink is 50 grams, providing a firm yet manageable resistance when pressing the key all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is unknown, which makes it difficult to assess its overall resistance when bottomed out. Overall, the Flaming Pink switch is lighter and offers a more effortless experience during typing, while the heavier Milk Tea switch may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the differences become quite clear. The Flaming Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Flaming Pink the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Milk Tea's longer travel distance can provide a more deliberate and substantial feel, catering to those who favor a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you prefer faster actuation and responsiveness, the Flaming Pink may be a better choice, while the Milk Tea could be ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch produces a bright yet not overly loud sound profile, delivering a satisfying bottom-out noise that enhances the typing experience without being disruptive. This quality makes it well-suited for both gaming and everyday tasks, allowing for a pleasant auditory feedback that won't disturb those around you. The Outemu Milk Tea switch, on the other hand, does not have a specified sound profile, leaving its auditory characteristics largely unknown. However, the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the type of keyboard it's mounted on and the keycap material, so the Milk Tea switch could still provide a unique sound experience depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Flaming Pink switch is celebrated for its smooth and responsive action, making typists and gamers alike appreciate the effortless keystrokes it provides. This smoothness contributes to a consistent and enjoyable typing experience, ideal for long sessions of work or play. The Outemu Milk Tea switch's feel is also unspecified, which leaves potential users in the dark regarding its tactile feedback and overall typing experience. However, the tactile quality can be subjective, and individual perceptions may vary based on personal preference and how the switch interacts with the user's keyboard.
Combining all available information, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch stands out for its engaging sound and pleasant tactile feel, making it a versatile choice for various applications. The lack of specific characterization for the Outemu Milk Tea switch leaves some uncertainty regarding its auditory and tactile qualities. Ultimately, if you're drawn to a smooth, responsive typing experience with satisfying sound, the Flaming Pink is a solid option, while the Milk Tea may require more exploration to fully understand its offerings.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a smooth and responsive feel with a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Flaming Pink is an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force of 50 grams makes it a great choice for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions where you want minimal effort for maximum responsiveness. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile response that provides a satisfying bump without the need for a heavy bottom-out force, the Outemu Milk Tea switch might be more suitable for you. While the sound profile and specific tactile feedback may vary, the Milk Tea switch's design typically offers a more pronounced tactile experience, making it ideal for users who enjoy a bit of feedback when typing. Ultimately, assess your typing style, the environments you’ll be in, and whether you prioritize smoothness or tactile feedback to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.