Durock Light Tactile vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a tactile mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea switches. The Light Tactile from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, offering a softer experience compared to other tactile switches available. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch from Outemu doesn't have a specific standout feature, leaving its performance to speak for itself. While the Light Tactile is categorized as neutral, mild, or polished, the Milk Tea switch doesn't fall into any specific category. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea, we see that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, which is ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for enhancing RGB lighting in keyboards. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a Ly top housing which offers a very bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks while typing. While both switches have a similar top housing material, the specific characteristics of the polycarbonate and Ly may lead to slightly different sound profiles.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Light Tactile and the Milk Tea feature a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The similarities in bottom housing material between these two switches suggest that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. While the specific design of the switches may vary, the nylon bottom housings are likely to contribute to a consistent sound profile across both switches.
When considering how the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches, it becomes clear that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This means that despite having different top housing materials, the Light Tactile and the Milk Tea may produce similar sound profiles when typing, thanks to the shared nylon bottom housing. However, subtle differences in the characteristics of polycarbonate and Ly may still result in unique nuances in sound and typing experience between the two switches.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Durock Light Tactile switch also has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is unknown. This means that the Durock switch provides a more substantial typing experience overall, as it requires more force to both trigger a keystroke and bottom out. On the other hand, the Outemu switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel distance. This allows for consistent typing experiences across different keyboards equipped with these switches. Additionally, the equal travel distance ensures that the actuation point and bottom out point are consistent, resulting in a balanced typing feel for both switches. Overall, the similarities in travel distance between the Durock Light Tactile and Outemu Milk Tea switches make them ideal choices for those looking for a consistent and reliable typing experience.
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 Tea 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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. It's important to note that the overall sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard case, keycaps, and typing style.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its mild tactility, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, the switch has a polished finish that contributes to a smooth and refined typing feel. Conversely, the specific feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not mentioned, making it challenging to assess how it compares to the Light Tactile in terms of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that offers a gentle tactile experience with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch might be a suitable option. However, without information on the sound and feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the two switches. It's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing needs when choosing between mechanical keyboard switches to ensure you find the perfect fit for your setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches, it all comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a gentle and smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a great choice for you. The Light Tactile is known for its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with an unknown bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Tea switch might be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences in terms of tactility, sound, and feel.
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