Keygeek Keylin vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Keylin, a linear switch, is celebrated for its premium typing experience, characterized by its smooth key presses and rich acoustics, making it ideal for those who prioritize typing fluidity and a quieter sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, provides a satisfying bump during actuation, allowing typists to receive tactile feedback that enhances their writing experience, particularly for users who enjoy a more engaging feel. While the Keylin is perfect for gamers and typists who prefer uninterrupted key travel, the Milk Tea appeals to those who appreciate sensory cues in their keystrokes. 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 Tea Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Keygeek Keylin and the Outemu Milk Tea switches present an interesting comparison in terms of their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Keylin features a nylon top housing known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer consistency which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Milk Tea utilizes a Ly top housing, which is highlighted for delivering a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. This fundamental difference in the material choice means that while the Keylin creates a duller and rounder sound, the Milk Tea's brighter clacks may appeal to those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Keygeek Keylin and Outemu Milk Tea share a commonality in their use of nylon. Both switches benefit from nylon's characteristics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom housing. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will likely exhibit a similar tactile experience when bottomed out, offering a satisfying resistance and sound. This shared material can help create a balanced typing experience for both switches, though the auditory elements at the bottom will be rather similar across both options due to the nylon's inherent qualities.

Overall, the contrasting top housings of the Keylin and Milk Tea create a unique combination of auditory outcomes, while the similarity in the bottom housing allows for a consistent tactile experience. As a result, typists can expect a blend of both worlds; the Keylin's nylon top will provide a softer, fuller sound, whereas the Milk Tea will deliver a sharper, more resonant feedback. Ultimately, the key differentiator lies in the choice of top housing material, which influences the sound signature significantly, while both switches offer a cohesive experience during the bottoming out action due to their shared nylon bottoms.

Weight

The Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch present differences in their actuation forces, with the Keylin's actuation force measured at 38 grams, making it lighter, while the Milk Tea requires a heavier 45 grams to actuate. This variance means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may want to favor the Keylin, as it can reduce finger fatigue over long periods. Furthermore, the Keylin has a bottom out force of 48 grams, indicating a definitive resistance felt when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea is not available, leaving an unknown factor that could impact its performance. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter touch, the Keygeek Keylin would be the more suitable option, while those who appreciate a firmer press may gravitate towards the Outemu Milk Tea switch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that they differ significantly. The Keylin features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a more responsive option that caters to gamers who appreciate quicker key presses. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which offers a more traditional feel with greater depth. This longer distance may provide a satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Keylin is the better choice, while the Milk Tea is ideal for those who favor a deeper typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its rich acoustics that contribute to a satisfying auditory experience during typing. This quality enhances the enjoyment of using the switch, making each keystroke resonate pleasantly without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have specific sound characteristics attributed to it, leaving its acoustic properties relatively ambiguous. Nonetheless, it's important to note that the sound profile of any switch can be influenced by the keyboard's design, such as the type of plate material and the keycap selection, so both switches can produce varied sound depending on your setup.

In terms of feel, the Keylin switch is renowned for its exceptional smoothness, providing a creamy keypress that minimizes any scratchiness or friction commonly associated with linear switches. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience, allowing for rapid and uninterrupted keystrokes. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Tea, being a tactile switch, offers a distinct bump during the actuation point, giving tactile feedback that many users appreciate for typing and gaming. While the Milk Tea is likely to feel different from the linear nature of the Keylin, it provides a unique feedback mechanism that some users find enhances their typing precision. Thus, those seeking a tactile experience will notice a clear differentiation in feel when compared to the Keylin.

In conclusion, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its sound and smooth feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offers its unique touch with the absence of documented sound characteristics but is tailored for those who prefer tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth keystroke with rich acoustics or a defined tactile response. Both options can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but they cater to differing preferences in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter activation force of 48 grams, along with a smooth and premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics, then the Keylin linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy fast-paced typing without the tactile feedback, allowing for a seamless flow during gaming or extensive typing sessions. Conversely, if you're someone who values feedback in your keystrokes and desires a more pronounced tactile experience, you might find the Milk Tea switch to be more to your liking. However, since there is limited sound and feel information about the Milk Tea switch, you may want to try it out for yourself to see if it meets your expectations. In essence, consider your typing habits and whether you thrive on smooth linearity or engaging tactility to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Keylin Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more