Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Milk Blue present two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Keylin, known for its innovative design using new molds from Keygeek, offers a linear switch that excels in providing a premium typing experience characterized by its smoothness and rich acoustics. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quieter environment or engage in extensive typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, delivers tactile feedback and an audible "click" with each keystroke, appealing to typists who enjoy a satisfying, expressive feel while typing, as well as those who appreciate the distinctive sound it generates. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the seamless flow of the Keylin or the engaging feedback of the Milk Blue. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Keylin Linear

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Milk Blue, a clear distinction can be drawn between their top housings. The Keylin utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is noted for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This characteristic makes the nylon top housing excellent for those who prefer a rounder sound profile while typing. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a distinctly sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This fundamental difference in material not only affects the overall acoustics of the switches but also their aesthetic appeal, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, an attribute not present with the opaque nylon.

Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Keylin and the Milk Blue utilize nylon for this component. This choice results in a similar sound profile from the bottom housing, characterized by a deep and full sound that contributes to the overall typing experience. The nylon material absorbs more vibrations compared to stiffer plastics, enhancing the tactile feel and the bottom-out sound. Consequently, regardless of the differences observed in their top housings, both switches maintain a uniform auditory signature when typing, thanks to this shared nylon bottom housing.

Despite the differences in upper housings leading to contrasting auditory profiles upon key release, the combination of nylon in the bottom housings proves that either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with variations in sound quality when pressed versus released. The Keylin and the Milk Blue thus cater to different preferences, with the former appealing to users seeking a softer, more muted sound while the latter draws in enthusiasts who favor clarity and brightness. Therefore, even though the switches embody different qualities due to their top housing materials, their shared nylon bottoms ensure that users will find both options gratifying in their own right when it comes to the tactile feedback and sound produced during typing.

Weight

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch present a fascinating comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin switch has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter feel, especially for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch features a higher actuation force of 50 grams, which would appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This lack of bottom out data could lead to uncertainty in its overall feedback compared to the Keylin's clearly defined bottom out force. Therefore, while the Keylin is the lighter option with a total actuation and bottom out force, the Milk Blue offers a heavier switch that might cater to users looking for more resistance during key presses. Ultimately, if you're aiming for a lightweight typing experience, the Keylin is your best bet, while the Milk Blue stands out for those who prefer a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Keylin has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milk Blue measures 4 mm. This means that the Keylin is the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who prefer faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the Milk Blue, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth and tactility, which some users may find more satisfying for typing. Therefore, if you value quicker responses, the Keylin would be the better choice, but if you enjoy a more robust feedback while typing, you might prefer the Milk Blue.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch delivers rich acoustics that enhance the overall typing experience. The linear design ensures a quieter operation, which makes it a suitable option for environments where noise level is a concern. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch features a distinctively sharp and audible click with each keypress, providing not only feedback but also a satisfying auditory signal that many typists and gamers enjoy. This clicky nature contributes to a more lively typing environment but may be less desirable for those seeking a quieter workspace.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the Keylin is known for its exceptional smoothness, allowing for effortless key presses that create a seamless typing experience. This smooth action minimizes resistance and offers a gentle feedback that many users find pleasurable over extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch delivers a tactile bump due to its clicky design, which offers a noticeable feedback that can help users confirm key activation. While this tactile response can add to the enjoyment of typing for many, it does have a different emotional engagement compared to the smoothness of the Keylin switch.

Overall, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch excels in providing a silent, smooth, and refined typing experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize a premium feel. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Blue switch appeals to those who enjoy clicky and tactile feedback, making it a lively option for a more interactive typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences, so the choice will largely depend on whether one values quiet smoothness or audible clicks in their mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, your decision should largely depend on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prefer a light actuation force combined with a smooth and premium typing experience, the Keylin switch is undoubtedly the way to go. Its rich acoustics and effortless key travel make it ideal for those who enjoy a quieter typing experience or spend long hours typing without fatigue. On the other hand, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfying sound of a click with each keypress, the Outemu Milk Blue switch might be more suited to your taste. The distinctive clicky feel provides an engaging and enjoyable typing experience, perfect for both typing and gaming scenarios where feedback is essential. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness with the Keylin or the tactile and auditory satisfaction offered by the Milk Blue.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more