Cherry MX Brown vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Brown and the Outemu Milk Blue offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Brown is a popular choice for those seeking a subtle typing experience, with light tactility and minimal noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch, providing a more pronounced tactile response and satisfying click sound with each keystroke. While the Cherry MX Brown is best suited for those who prefer a quiet typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue is perfect for those who enjoy a more audible feedback while typing. 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
45g
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
Nylon
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
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Milk Blue switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile and material characteristics. The Cherry MX Brown switch utilizes a nylon top housing, which results in a softer and duller sound profile compared to the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softer nature of nylon. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it more suitable for switches intended for RGB lighting, providing a more aesthetically pleasing experience.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The shared bottom housing material results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the top housing material plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile when pressing down on a key or releasing it. While the nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue switch has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches can significantly impact the overall typing experience. The Cherry MX Brown's nylon top and bottom housing provide a softer and more rounded sound profile, while the Outemu Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and more resonant sound. Understanding the differences in housing materials can help in selecting the switch that best aligns with your preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. However, the MX Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Milk Blue is unknown. This means that the MX Brown provides a more consistent typing experience with a noticeable difference between actuation and bottom out forces, while the Milk Blue's bottom out force remains a mystery. Both switches offer a tactile feedback that can help reduce typing errors, but the MX Brown may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Milk Blue may appeal to users who prefer a slightly heavier key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you'll experience a consistent travel distance from top to bottom. This similarity ensures that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of key travel on both switches. Having an equal travel distance can provide a level of comfort and consistency for typists, making it easier to transition between different keyboards equipped with these switches. The Cherry MX Brown and Outemu Milk Blue switches both offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, with their travel distance playing a key role in their overall feel and performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00, whereas the Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue switches do not have a specific sound description provided, so it is uncertain how they compare in terms of sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard enclosure and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, Cherry MX Brown switches are often described as textured, providing users with a noticeable friction when pressed. This textured feel can be subjective, with some users preferring the subtle texture while others preferring a smoother typing experience. Unfortunately, no specific feel description is provided for the Outemu Milk Blue switches, making it difficult to compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety in both sound and feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switches lack specific descriptions in these areas. To achieve a similar typing experience to the Cherry MX Brown switches with the Outemu Milk Blue switches, it is recommended to consider factors such as the keyboard setup and personal preferences. Ultimately, the best switch choice depends on individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Outemu Milk Blue clicky switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a more subtle and tactile typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Cherry MX Brown switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more clicky and audible typing experience with an unknown bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Blue switches may be the better option. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that fits your needs best.
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