Gateron Ink Red vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. With a smooth and satisfying typing experience, the Ink Reds produce a crispy and clacky sound profile that many find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While there is limited information available about the Milk Tea, tactile switches are generally favored for their tactile feedback and increased typing accuracy. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Milk Tea, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, whereas the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both housing materials contribute to a distinct sound experience, the Ink Red leans towards a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Milk Tea provides a deeper and fuller sound profile.
Furthermore, the bottom housing materials of the two switches also play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing delivers a similar pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile as the top housing, resulting in a cohesive sound when typing on the switch. In contrast, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding a different dimension to the typing experience. The use of nylon as a housing material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound overall.
While the housing materials for the Gateron Ink Red and the Outemu Milk Tea differ in composition and sound characteristics, both switches offer a unique typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials provide a balance in the sound profile of each switch. Additionally, the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound when pressing down and letting go of a key showcases the thoughtfulness and innovation behind the design of these mechanical switches. Ultimately, whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile or a deep and resonant one, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally easy to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Red requires 60 grams of force, while the Outemu Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Gateron Ink Red may provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Outemu Milk Tea, which could be preferable for those looking for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of key travel. As a result, the typing experience and feel of the keys will be very similar when using either switch. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer a standard 4 mm key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users whether they are beginners or experienced typists. The slight chirpiness adds a unique auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound profile is currently unavailable. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is praised for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptional typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The mild characteristics of the switch offer a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone, while the polished finish contributes to a refined and sleek typing sensation. Unfortunately, specific information regarding the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not available at this time.
Considering all the available information, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a crispy sound profile, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of both sound and feel. If seeking a similar typing feel and sound profile to the Gateron Ink Red, it's recommended to explore switches with silky smoothness, mild characteristics, and perhaps a neutral or slightly chirpy sound profile. Ultimately, choosing the right switch depends on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Ink Red linear switch or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience with a satisfyingly crisp sound profile, the Ink Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile bump and a more pronounced typing feel, the Milk Tea could be the switch for you. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so it's important to consider what characteristics are most important to you when making your decision.
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