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Durock Medium Tactile vs. Outemu Milk Tea

An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note some key differences. The Durock Medium Tactile is highly praised for its distinct tactile feedback, striking a perfect balance between tactility and smoothness. Its jelly-like sound signature sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea lacks a standout feature but is still a solid tactile switch option. While the Durock Medium Tactile is categorized as Accented, Stepped, Mild, and Polished, the Milk Tea does not fall into any specific category. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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

45g

Bottom-out force

65g

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

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea, one can see that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that they will both produce a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the switches to be transparent, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, while the sound profile will be similar in both switches due to the polycarbonate top housing, the tactile feedback may differ as the Outemu Milk Tea is described as having a very bright sound signature.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches will offer a duller and rounder sound when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing also impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a comfortable typing experience for users of both switches.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and tactile feedback that users experience. While both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in similar sound profiles, the differences in tactile feedback and sound signature between the two switches may lead to a unique typing experience for each. The impact of the housing materials on the overall feel of the switch highlights the importance of understanding the components used in mechanical keyboards for users seeking a specific typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches, we can see that they offer different strengths. The Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams, highlighting a lighter touch. The actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile is not specified, while the bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Outemu Milk Tea, as it requires less force to actuate, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, catering to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows users to expect consistent typing experiences with both switches in terms of the distance the keys travel from the top to the bottom. Overall, whether you choose the Durock Medium Tactile switch or the Outemu Milk Tea switch, you can expect to feel a 4 mm travel distance when typing.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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

In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, there is currently no specific information available on the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea switch. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is often described as having an accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile feel. This means that it offers a balanced level of tactility that is not too overwhelming or subtle, providing a pleasant typing experience for most users. Conversely, there is no information provided on the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch.

Taking all the available information into consideration, it is clear that the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a unique tactile experience with a jelly-like sound signature and a well-rounded tactile feel. However, since there is limited information on the Outemu Milk Tea switch, it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the two. Ultimately, the best way to determine which switch is more suitable for you would be to try them out in person or read more reviews from experienced users.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a balanced tactile feel with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unknown bottom out force and other unique qualities, the Outemu Milk Tea could be the one for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

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