KTT Lightning vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When comparing the KTT Lightning linear switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, two distinct options emerge for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Lightning is renowned for its speed and precision, making it an ideal choice for gamers or those who require quick reflexes. With a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, it falls under categories such as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Chirpy'. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a tactile feedback that appeals to typists who enjoy a satisfying bump with each keystroke. While the Milk Tea lacks specific descriptors, its tactile nature provides a different typing experience compared to the Lightning's smooth linear action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.41 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Milk Tea, it can be seen that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more crisp typing experience. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for better RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing is said to provide a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks during typing. While both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, the specific qualities they bring to the overall typing experience may vary.

In terms of bottom housing materials, both the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Milk Tea utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound and create a duller, rounder sound. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a more muted and satisfying typing experience, allowing for a quieter bottom-out sound. This similarity in bottom housing material may result in a comparable typing experience for those who appreciate the qualities nylon brings to switch housings.

It is important to consider how the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials interact to create the overall typing experience of a switch. While both the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Milk Tea feature different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each material on the typing sound and feel will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material tends to have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience, users can make informed decisions about which switch best suits their preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Lightning is lighter in terms of actuation force at 43 grams compared to the Milk Tea's 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Lightning has a heavier force of 50 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Lightning switch, while the Milk Tea's force is slightly heavier. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Lightning providing a lighter touch, and the Milk Tea potentially offering a more substantial and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and feedback.

Travel distance

The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, which is considered on the shorter side compared to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Lightning switch would be favored by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch would be preferred by individuals who enjoy a more profound key press sensation, as its longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a sharp and crisp typing experience. The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, on the other hand, does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. When comparing the two based on available information, the Lightning switch is likely to provide a more pronounced and distinct sound compared to the Milk Tea switch. However, it's important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.

Moving on to feel, the KTT Lightning switch is described as subtle and polished, offering a gentle resistance and a smooth typing experience. This can be attributed to the refined finish and smooth key travel associated with polished switches. In contrast, no specific feel descriptors are provided for the Outemu Milk Tea switch. Despite this, it can be inferred that the Lightning switch may offer a more refined and consistent typing feel compared to the Milk Tea switch.

In conclusion, based on the available information, the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning switch is likely to provide a clacky and high-pitched sound profile along with a subtle and polished typing feel, making it suitable for fast-paced typing scenarios where precision is key. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch may have its own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to a different typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when looking to choose between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you are seeking a switch that offers speed and responsiveness, especially for competitive gaming or quick typing tasks, the Lightning may be the better option with its light bottom out force and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique feel and sound, the Milk Tea may be more suitable, despite the lack of specific information available. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences and how you prioritize factors such as sound, feel, and typing speed.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more