Outemu Lime vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer distinct typing experiences. The Lime switch is favored for its lightweight feel, approachable tactility, and silenced operation, making it a great choice for tactile fans looking for a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound and muted essence, designed for prolonged typing sessions with its 43.5g bottom-out force. While the Lime switch is more neutral, mild, and feathery, the Milk Tea switch is clacky, high-pitched, and marbly. Ultimately, determining the best switch for your needs goes beyond generalities, so let's dive in deeper into the details to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the PH Studio Milk Tea, we can see that both switches use different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Lime's nylon top housing and bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM top and bottom housings create a unique sound that is deeper and more muted. While both switches aim for a pleasing sound profile, the specific characteristics of their housing materials result in slightly different outcomes.
The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housing of the Outemu Lime results in a consistent sound profile throughout typing. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is deeper and fuller. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea's combination of POM top and bottom housings splits the characteristics of the sound profile between the top and bottom of the switch. The deeper and muted sound profile is more prominent in the Milk Tea due to POM's unique sound properties.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the PH Studio Milk Tea play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While both switches aim for a pleasing and unique sound experience, the use of nylon in the Lime and POM in the Milk Tea result in slightly different outcomes. The softer nylon of the Lime creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM of the Milk Tea produces a sound that is deeper and more muted. Understanding the impact of housing materials on sound can help keyboard enthusiasts choose the switch that best fits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer a fairly light typing experience. The Lime has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. Both switches provide a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing touch. The difference in forces between the two switches is quite minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Lime switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea switch. A shorter travel distance can be favorable for gamers seeking quicker response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for some individuals. Both switches offer unique advantages based on their travel distance, with the Lime switch catering to those who prefer a shorter distance and the Milk Tea switch catering to those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
The Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 Outemu Lime tactile switch is known for its neutral and muted profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, yet maintains a muted essence. The Milk Tea switch also has a marbly and resonant quality, providing a clean and immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Lime being more neutral and muted, while the Milk Tea has a sharper and more pronounced sound.
In terms of feel, the Lime switch is described as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with a light actuation force and reduced friction for smooth key travel. The Milk Tea switch shares the polished descriptor, offering a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the Milk Tea switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with unique qualities such as lightness and smoothness, catering to individuals looking for a specific tactile feel.
Overall, the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that make them suitable for different preferences. The Lime switch provides a more neutral and muted sound with a feathery and polished feel, while the Milk Tea switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel. Depending on whether one prefers a quieter typing experience with light tactility or a sharper sound with smooth key travel, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. Ultimately, whether choosing the Lime or the Milk Tea switch, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a lightweight switch with a touch of tactility and a silent operation, the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a unique auditory blend, a high-pitched yet muted sound, and a smooth typing experience, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing preferences, whether you prioritize tactility and silence or a distinctive sound profile and smoothness, when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Lime and PH Studio Milk Tea switches will depend on your specific typing needs and preferences.
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