TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Milk Blue mechanical keyboard switches, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Gold Brown switch is praised for its balanced nature, offering a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. It provides a rounded sound profile that is softer than many other switches, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch is known for its clicky feedback, producing a loud and distinct sound with each keystroke. This can be appealing to those who enjoy the auditory feedback while typing. 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
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Milk Blue, we can see that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. Additionally, the stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile in both switches, providing a consistent auditory experience for users.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housings of the Gold Brown and Milk Blue switches. The Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Milk Blue also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar qualities in terms of sound profile. This consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a fuller sound.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Milk Blue have different bottom housing materials, their top housing materials are the same, resulting in a similar sound profile for both switches. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches enhances the typing experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making them suitable choices for users looking for a tactile and auditory experience while typing on their keyboards.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch at 50 grams. However, the Gold Brown also has a higher bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Gold Brown will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring a bit more force to press all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Milk Blue switch due to its lighter actuation force. Both switches offer their unique benefits, with the Gold Brown catering to those who prefer a heavier typing experience, while the Milk Blue may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When it comes to their travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This means that whether you choose the Gold Brown or the Milk Blue switch, you can expect to feel a consistent and familiar keypress distance. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a moderate travel distance, allowing for comfortable and efficient typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The Outemu Milk Blue 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 Gold Brown switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch's sound characteristics are unknown. The sound profile of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience with accented tactile feedback. This results in a smooth and refined keystroke feel that is approachable to most users. Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the Outemu Milk Blue switch are not provided.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch seems to offer a balanced typing experience with a moderate sound level and a smooth, gentle feel. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch are unknown, it is worth noting that both switches may provide similar results in terms of balanced sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should consider your preferences in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a balanced, satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness, then the Gold Brown switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a unique sound profile and a different typing experience, then the Milk Blue switch might be the better option. As you make your decision, think about what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch and choose according to your personal preferences.