Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may be considering the Durock Light Tactile or the Outemu Milk Blue. The Light Tactile from Durock offers a gentle tactile experience that is a refreshing change from sharper tactile switches. With its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, this switch falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue doesn't have a standout characteristic but is classified as a clicky switch. If you're looking for a switch with a softer, more subtle tactile feel, the Light Tactile may be the way to go. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Blue both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates a clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. This shared characteristic between the two switches means that users can expect similar auditory experiences when typing on either switch, with the top housing material playing a significant role in the sound produced.
On the other hand, the Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Similarly, the Milk Blue also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the importance of the bottom housing material in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. This distinction between the top and bottom housing materials showcases how each component contributes differently to the overall typing experience.
Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance is crucial for enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards. While both the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Blue share polycarbonate top housings, their differences in bottom housing materials demonstrate how various materials can influence the sound and feel of a switch. By considering the qualities of each housing material and how they interact when typing, users can make informed decisions when selecting switches for their keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, we can see some differences. The Light Tactile requires a slightly higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Milk Blue's 50 grams. However, the Light Tactile also has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Light Tactile is slightly heavier overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Blue may be the better option, while the Light Tactile may be more suitable for those looking for a bit more weight and feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Blue switches is the same, both having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent and equal travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Durock Light Tactile or the Outemu Milk Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of the feel of the keypress. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a smooth keystroke experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of other factors such as sound and actuation force.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a variety of uses. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch's sound qualities are unknown. The Light Tactile switch provides a gentle and jelly-like sound signature, offering a unique and pleasing typing experience compared to sharper tactile switches.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel. This switch falls into a safe middle ground zone, making it approachable to most users. On the contrary, the feel of the Outemu Milk Blue switch is unspecified. The Light Tactile switch's unique tactility sets it apart from other switches on the market, offering a satisfying typing experience with reduced friction.
Considering all available information, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, neutral sound profile, and polished feel. While the qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue switch are unknown, the Light Tactile switch provides a unique and satisfying typing experience that is sure to appeal to users looking for a different tactile sensation and sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, consider the following factors: if you are looking for a gentle and jelly-like tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Light Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and enjoy a clicky sound while typing, the Milk Blue switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience and the specific qualities each switch offers. Happy typing!
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