Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, with the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, it is important to note some key differences. The Ink Yellow is lauded for its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a smooth and pleasant clackiness, this switch is categorized as neutral, clacky, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Milk Blue lacks any specific standout features. However, it is known for its tactile bump and audible feedback. If you're in search of a switch that provides these characteristics, the Milk Blue may be the right choice for you. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, but let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Milk Blue, it is clear that they offer different characteristics in terms of sound profile. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound is due to the difference in stiffness between the INK blend and polycarbonate materials. The INK blend offers a more satisfying and thin sound, whereas the polycarbonate material produces a more resonant and clear sound, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The use of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the INK blend. This difference in sound profile showcases how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Yellow and Outemu Milk Blue switches offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound from the INK blend or a sharp and crisp sound from the polycarbonate top housing, both switches deliver quality sound profiles. Similarly, the Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing and the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing showcase the impact of different materials on the sound produced when typing on these switches. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and desired sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch. The Ink Yellow requires 60 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 67 grams to bottom out, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Blue only needs 50 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, but the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Blue, while those who enjoy a heavier push feel may opt for the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milk Blue may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of which one would be the better fit for individual users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a mix of a neutral and clacky sound profile. This means that it provides a moderate actuation force requirement while also producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch lacks a specific sound description, so it could be assumed to be a bit louder and more tactile compared to the Ink Yellow. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is known for its mild and polished characteristics. This translates to a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel, making it suitable for most users who prefer a comfortable middle-ground typing feel. Unfortunately, there is no specific description available for the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch. However, based on its clicky nature, it can be assumed to offer a more tactile and pronounced typing experience compared to the smoothness of the Ink Yellow.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a moderate and clacky sound profile along with a mild and polished typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch lacks specific descriptions for sound and feel, but it is likely to be louder and more tactile than the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your personal typing style and preferences when deciding between the two. It's important to note that individual preferences can greatly impact the subjective experience of using these switches, so trying them out in person may provide the best insight into which one suits you best.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a smoother and clackier typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Gateron Ink Yellow would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced and clicky sound without a specified bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Blue might be more suitable for you. Consider your personal typing style and preferences when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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