TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, two distinct options emerge for different preferences. The Gold Red is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance, offering a snappy sound profile that adds personality without being too loud. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch with a unique characterization that isn't defined in the provided information. Depending on your preference for linear vs. tactile switches, the Gold Red may appeal to those seeking a smooth typing experience, while the Milk Tea could be intriguing to those looking for a tactile feedback. 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
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Milk Tea, both switches feature a top housing made of polycarbonate, which is known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is also great for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a Ly top housing, which offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both materials provide a distinct sound profile, the polycarbonate in the Gold Red may offer a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Ly material in the Milk Tea.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Red and Milk Tea switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. As such, despite the differences in their top housings, the Gold Red and Milk Tea switches both provide a similar sound experience through their use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials between the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Milk Tea plays a significant role in the sound and feel of these switches. While they both use polycarbonate for their top housing to create distinct sound profiles, the difference lies in the nylon bottom housing. The Gold Red offers a sharper, crisper sound with its use of nylon for a more resonant typing experience, while the Milk Tea has a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Both switches deliver unique sound profiles, catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Red is lighter in terms of force required. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for the Milk Tea is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red would be the better choice due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Milk Tea may be the preferred option, considering its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. However, despite their equal travel distances, the Gold Red is a linear switch while the Milk Tea is a tactile switch. This means that the Gold Red switch provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the Milk Tea switch offers a tactile bump to indicate when the key has been actuated. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer the same distance, but the tactile experience and feel of the keystroke differ between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red for $3.28.
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
The TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience. It has a neutral sound characteristic, suitable for various purposes whether at home or work. The feel of the Gold Red switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal key wobble. In comparison, there is no information available on the sound or feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch. If we were to make assumptions based on the available information, it is likely that the Milk Tea switch would provide a different typing experience with its tactile feedback compared to the smooth linear feel of the Gold Red. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, it is important to consider the sound and feel preferences along with the specific requirements and preferences for your typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a light-medium level of resistance with a buttery smooth feel and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a unique sound and feel, the Milk Tea switch might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing experience on your mechanical keyboard.