Gateron Melodic vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its invigorating tactile feedback and satisfying auditory click, thanks to advancements such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. Users can enjoy a buttery, resonant sound that enhances the typing experience without compromising on smoothness. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch, characterized as a tactile switch, promises a softer, more subdued typing experience, ideal for those who seek a balance between feedback and a quieter operation. While the Melodic excels in delivering a classic clicky sensation, the Milk Tea provides a gentler tactile response that can be more suitable for longer typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Melodic Clicky

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Outemu Milk Tea switches, we find some intriguing contrasts that shape their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness. This characteristic allows the switch to create a clear and resonant sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate an articulated auditory feedback. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also enhances the visual experience when RGB lighting is employed, as it effectively diffuses light throughout the housing.

In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea utilizes a Ly top housing, which although made of different materials, also aims to provide a bright sound signature. It is noted for its resonant clacks, which contribute to an articulate typing experience comparable to the Melodic’s polycarbonate. While the two switches utilize different top housing materials, they both share a focus on producing high-frequency sounds, allowing for a similarly enjoyable auditory experience when typing. This similarity indicates that while their construction differs, users can expect comparably lively sound profiles, punctuated by a distinct articulation.

Both the Melodic and Milk Tea switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic underlines the impact that the bottom housing has on the overall feel and sound quality of the switch. Given that nylon dampens sound effectively, both switches will produce a rounder and more subdued auditory response upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housings differ in material and impact the sound when releasing keys, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches offer a similar depth and fullness when pressed down, creating a harmonious balance between their unique top housing qualities and shared foundational properties.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Melodic features a bottom out force of 60 grams, classifying it as a medium force switch, but its actuation force is unspecified. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, although its bottom out force is not available. This indicates that the Melodic switch, with its higher bottom out force, could provide a more substantial feel during typing, whereas the Milk Tea's lighter actuation force may be better suited for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. While the Melodic might be more suitable for those who enjoy a firmer push, the lighter actuation requirement of the Milk Tea could benefit users looking for comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Melodic is heavier in terms of bottoming out, while the Milk Tea is lighter concerning actuation.

Travel distance

The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in an identical feeling of depth as you press down on the keys. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and feedback. This parity in travel distance means that both switches will provide an equally satisfying experience for typists or gamers who appreciate a certain level of engagement with their keyboard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic switch stands out with its distinctive clicky profile. Users can expect a resonant tone, delivering a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience that is clean and sharp. Additionally, the Melodic produces a crunchy sound reminiscent of walking on crisp autumn leaves, enhancing the tactile sensation associated with typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks any specific sound characteristics mentioned, so it’s difficult to draw comparisons in this aspect. Keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Melodic switch excels by offering a buttery smooth keystroke experience, which is complemented by a tactile feedback that feels invigorating. This means that each keystroke is not only seamless but also offers pronounced feedback due to its moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive typing experience. Unfortunately, there are no descriptions available for the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch, making it challenging to evaluate how it might compare or contrast with the Melodic in this regard.

In summary, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a unique combination of resonant sound and invigorating feel, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate auditory and tactile responses in their typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch has not been detailed regarding its sound or feel qualities, leaving much to the imagination for those considering it. If you prioritize an engaging sound and feel, the Melodic is certainly an appealing option, while the Milk Tea may require further exploration to determine its standing.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy an engaging typing sound and responsive feedback, the Gateron Melodic is the ideal choice, particularly for its resonant and crunchy sounds, along with its gratifying tactile response that comes from its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stem technology. This makes it suitable for both typists who appreciate auditory feedback and those who prefer a fluid keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards tactile switches and desire a typing experience that emphasizes feel over sound, the Outemu Milk Tea might be a consideration worth exploring. However, keep in mind that specific end-user feedback is sparse for this switch, which may limit your understanding of its distinct characteristics. Ultimately, if you value auditory cues and a clearly defined tactile sensation, the Melodic is your best bet; otherwise, feel free to experiment with the Milk Tea if you want to diversify your mechanical keyboard experience even more.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Melodic Clicky

$6.50

$6.00 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more