TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are two popular options to consider. The Gold Red Pro is hailed for its versatility, offering a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile that suits various environments. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch lacks specific standout features but falls into a different category altogether. While the Gold Red Pro is praised for its adaptability in different settings, the Milk Tea switch presents a different tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gold Red Pro and Outemu Milk Tea both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. On the other hand, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing also offers a bright sound signature, it is described as producing resonant clacks when typing. This suggests a potentially different sound experience compared to the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Red Pro and Milk Tea utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile between the two switches. However, it is important to note that while the bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gold Red Pro offers a unique sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity, while also providing a deep and full-bodied typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea's use of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing results in a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the combination of different housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences in terms of typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we find that the Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Milk Tea has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces. Those who prefer a light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Gold Red Pro, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing habits, as both switches offer a different tactile experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Red Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being closer to the more standard 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Gold Red Pro for its slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Milk Tea with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a comparison in this aspect. When it comes to feel, the Gold Red Pro is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and a light sound profile. Unfortunately, the feel of the Milk Tea switch is also unknown, making it challenging to contrast the two switches in this regard. Overall, the Gold Red Pro excels in its versatility, offering a neutral sound and a smooth typing experience suitable for various settings, while the Milk Tea's qualities remain a mystery. If the Milk Tea switch holds similar qualities to the Gold Red Pro based on other factors such as board and keycaps, users can expect comparable results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value a smooth and versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro is the way to go. It offers a polished and silky feel that caters to a wide range of users, making it suitable for various tasks such as gaming, office work, or casual typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a tactile bump and a different sound profile, the Milk Tea may be more suitable for you. Keep in mind that the Milk Tea's specific characteristics are not provided in the given information, so further research may be needed to make an informed decision. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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