Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron Ink Yellow, a linear switch, and the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch. The Ink Yellow is favored for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It offers a smooth and clacky feel, making it suitable for those seeking a blend of comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch doesn't have specific standout features mentioned but is generally categorized as a tactile switch. While the Ink Yellow is characterized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Milk Tea's classification remains undisclosed. Each switch has its own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks. In contrast, the bottom housing of the Ink Yellow also features the proprietary INK blend, resulting in a similar higher-pitched sound profile, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound.

The different housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Milk Tea switches highlight the impact of material choice on sound and typing feel. With the top housing influencing the sound when a key is released, the Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides resonant clacks. On the other hand, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with the Ink Yellow's INK blend bottom housing delivering a similar higher-pitched sound profile and the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing producing a deeper and fuller sound.

Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Outemu Milk Tea switches showcase different characteristics that cater to individual preferences in sound and typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities, such as the Ink Yellow's clacky sound and the Milk Tea's resonant clacks, the differences in top and bottom housing materials contribute to a varied typing feel that suits different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user prefers a sharper, clackier sound or a deeper, fuller sound when typing.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two. The Gateron Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The weight of a switch is crucial for users to consider as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Lighter switches like the Milk Tea may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may opt for the heavier forces of the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience for users, and selecting the appropriate force can enhance overall typing satisfaction.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the Milk Tea's 4 mm. The Ink Yellow's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Milk Tea's longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Both options cater to different preferences, with the shorter travel distance offering quicker key response and the longer travel distance providing a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. This switch also offers a clacky sound when pressed, adding a sharp and percussive element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a specified sound profile, so it may vary depending on factors like the keyboard and keycaps being used.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild typing experience with a smooth and polished feel. This makes it a comfortable option for users looking for a gentle and refined typing experience. In contrast, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not available. Without this information, it is difficult to directly compare the tactile feel of these two switches.

Overall, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is a versatile option with a pleasant smoothness, neutral sound profile, and polished feel. It offers a typing experience that falls between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks specific information on sound and feel, making it more challenging to make a direct comparison. As such, choosing between these two switches will likely result in different typing experiences unless further information is provided about the Outemu Milk Tea switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smoother, clackier typing experience similar to a laptop keyboard but with the benefits of a mechanical switch, then the Ink Yellow is for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an absent bottom out force and are looking for a unique tactile typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the better choice for you. Pay attention to the sound and feel characteristics of each switch as well, as they play a significant role in your overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more