Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options, such as the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Milk Blue. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are renowned for their refined tactile feedback, providing a satisfying medium-strength bump that enhances typing accuracy without being overly harsh. This makes them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a balance between a tactile feel and smooth key travel, ideal for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switches offer a distinct clicky experience that stands out with an audible click, giving users both tactile feedback and a satisfying sound with each keystroke. This can be particularly appealing for typists who enjoy the classic sound of mechanical keyboards and seek an engaging 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, the differences are particularly notable in the top housing components. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer properties, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Blue showcases a polycarbonate top housing. This stiffer plastic creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making the auditory experience when typing on the Milk Blue more resonant and crisp. The varying properties of these materials highlight how the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can significantly alter the acoustics of the switch during operation.
In contrast to the top housing, both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings. This common material in the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Milk Blue results in a consistently duller and rounder sound profile that aligns with the nature of nylon. This similarity means that despite the different acoustic outputs produced by the top housings when the keys are released, both switches will deliver a similar tactile feedback and bottoming-out sound. The nylon's ability to absorb sound allows for a uniform experience in terms of the deeper auditory feedback from the actuation, bridging the gap between the two switches in this regard.
Ultimately, the combination of differing materials for the top housings but identical materials for the bottom housings produces a hybrid sound profile for each switch. The Cherry MX Purple RGB leverages nylon's characteristics to produce a smooth, muted sound upon key release, while the Outemu Milk Blue employs polycarbonate to yield a more vibrant and crisp sound. However, when typing and bottoming out on either switch, the presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures there will be similarities in sound and feel. Thus, while the acoustics during actuation and release may vary, the overall typing experience—including feedback and sound when the switch is fully pressed—will share some common ground due to the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Cherry MX Purple is the lighter option, which may be preferred by users looking for a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Milk Blue's heavier actuation force could provide a more substantial feel for those who favor a more pronounced tactile experience. Both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unknown, so we can't compare that aspect directly. However, if the bottom out forces were to be similar, one would expect a comparable typing experience in terms of travel distance despite the actuation forces differing slightly.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they exhibit the same key travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. This equal distance means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and feedback when using either switch. With both switches requiring the same amount of travel for actuation, they provide a comparable typing or gaming experience, making them suitable choices for users who prioritize tactile feedback and a consistent keypress depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch strikes a balance with a satisfying, muted sound profile. This can create a pleasant ambiance during typing, allowing users to maintain a focus on their work without being overly distracted. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch produces a crisp and pronounced click sound that is quite distinct. This clicking noise offers auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying and energizing, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. However, the sound of both switches can be greatly influenced by the type of keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a well-defined tactile feedback experience with a short and medium-strength bump. This creates a responsive feel that is comfortable for both typing and gaming scenarios, allowing users to know exactly when a key has been actuated without excessive force. The Outemu Milk Blue, while not explicitly described, is typically known for its clicky action, which suggests a tactile experience that is pronounced and perhaps offers a heavier feedback sensation. This is appealing for those who prefer to feel a strong connection to their key presses, making every keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying.
In summary, when choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Milk Blue switches, one might consider their sound preferences and desired typing feel. If a refined and subtler sound paired with a balanced tactile response is preferred, the MX Purple RGB is a solid choice. Conversely, if the appeal lies in a louder, clicky sound along with a more pronounced tactile response, the Milk Blue proves to be an exciting option. Both switches provide their unique experiences, allowing users to tailor their keyboard setup to their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to go with the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch or the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, you should think about your typing preferences and the kind of feedback you value. If you enjoy a tactile experience that's balanced and less jarring, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent choice, especially if you prefer a switch that offers a smooth typing experience without overly loud clicks, which can make it more suitable for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you thrive on auditory feedback and a pronounced click, opting for the Outemu Milk Blue will be ideal for you, as it provides a satisfying click sound that not only enhances the typing experience but also gives you clear confirmation of each keypress. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a softer tactile touch or a more pronounced auditory feedback during your typing sessions.
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