KTT Mallo vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The Mallo switches are renowned for their subtlety and finesse, offering a gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without being overpowering. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balanced chord for typists seeking a versatile option for various typing environments. On the other hand, the Milk Blue switch is known for its clicky mechanism, which delivers a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. While the Mallo offers a subdued and subtle typing experience, the Milk Blue provides a more pronounced tactile and auditory response, ideal for those who enjoy a clicky typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Mallo and the Outemu Milk Blue feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material is also ideal for switches with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. On the other hand, the Mallo utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The use of different housing materials in the Mallo and the Milk Blue splits the qualities of each material between the top and bottom of the switch. When typing on these switches, the impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a bigger role in the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on the materials used in their housing, with the Mallo's polycarbonate top providing a crisper sound compared to the Milk Blue's softer overall sound due to the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Mallo showcasing a sharper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Milk Blue delivers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing. These differences in housing materials impact the overall typing experience, with the top and bottom housings each contributing to the sound and feel of the switch in their own distinct ways.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch reveals some interesting differences. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Milk Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Mallo is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Milk Blue requires a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique benefits, with the Mallo catering to those who prefer a lighter touch and the Milk Blue appealing to users who enjoy a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two, they both provide a similar tactile feedback and audible click during actuation, giving users a satisfying typing experience. The shorter travel distance of 4mm on both switches allows for quicker keypresses and potentially faster typing speeds. Additionally, the consistent feedback provided by both switches can help reduce typing errors. Overall, whether you choose the KTT Mallo or the Outemu Milk Blue, you can expect a similar travel distance and typing experience from both switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
Overall, when comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the Mallo offers a more neutral sound profile with a subdued sound signature, making it a versatile option for various settings. In terms of feel, the Mallo provides a feathery and mild typing experience that is comfortable for extended use, while also incorporating a subtle tactility that provides just the right amount of feedback. On the other hand, the sound and feel qualities of the Milk Blue switch are unknown. In conclusion, if you prefer a switch with a balanced and neutral sound, as well as a light and gentle typing experience, the KTT Mallo tactile switch would be a suitable choice. However, for those who are looking for a more clicky and audible typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue switch may be worth considering. Ultimately, it's important to test out different switches to find the one that best suits your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a gentle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and a neutral sound signature, the KTT Mallo tactile switch would be an excellent choice. The Mallo provides a balanced typing experience that is versatile for various environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with clicky feedback and a more pronounced tactile feel, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch may be more suitable for you. The Milk Blue offers a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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