Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Outemu Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Milk Tea stand out as popular tactile options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple switches, renowned for their refined tactile experience, feature a short, medium-strength bump, which was developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. This makes them a great choice for users seeking a balance between feedback and a smooth typing experience, ideal for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switches, while less widely recognized, provide a distinct tactile feel that many users appreciate for its overall responsiveness and affordability, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers and typists alike. Both switches have their merits, appealing to different segments of keyboard enthusiasts and casual users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Milk Tea switches showcase a distinct contrast in their top housing materials, which greatly influences their auditory characteristics. The MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This ability to absorb sound results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it appealing for users who appreciate a muted typing sound. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea features a Ly top housing, which is noted for its bright sound signature. This newer material tends to resonate more, producing sharp and pronounced clacks when typing, catering to users who enjoy a vibrant and loud auditory feedback.

While the top housing materials differ between the two switches, both the MX Purple RGB and Outemu Milk Tea employ nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches will exhibit similar acoustic properties when bottoming out, thanks to nylon's ability to soften sound and absorb vibrations. Users can expect a comparably deep and fuller sound profile when they press the keys all the way down, regardless of the top housing material. This illustrates that while the top housing contributes to the switch's overall sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing will play a crucial role in the sound and feel experienced upon key actuation.

In summary, the key distinction between the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Outemu Milk Tea switches lies in their top housing materials, where nylon promotes a muted sound in the former, and Ly offers a brighter sound in the latter. The nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users experience a similar bottom-out sound, reflecting the deeper and fuller acoustic properties characteristic of nylon. Thus, even with varied top housing materials, enthusiasts can achieve a blend of auditory experiences, depending on the key press and release, ultimately appealing to diverse typing preferences.

Weight

Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable performance during typing or gaming sessions, with neither switch offering a distinct advantage in terms of actuation effort. However, both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which makes it difficult to directly compare their overall feel when pressed all the way down. Since the actuation forces are equal, users can expect a consistent tactile experience, but the lack of bottom-out data leaves some uncertainty about how they will feel under maximal pressure. As both switches share the same actuation force, they can cater to users who prefer a lighter touch, making them suitable for prolonged use without causing as much fatigue.

Travel distance

Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience the same level of key travel when pressing down on either switch. As a result, you can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when using these switches, making them equally suitable for typists and gamers alike. This consistency in travel distance ensures that both options deliver a comparable experience, allowing users to choose based on other factors such as brand preference or aesthetics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches is distinctively crisp and satisfying, providing a pronounced tactile feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. The sound produced during key presses is typically a gentle clack at the bottom out, followed by a soft thud at the bottom, making it ideal for both gaming and typing without being overly loud. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switches have a sound profile that remains largely unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and plate material, which can modify the acoustics significantly.

When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are celebrated for delivering a refined tactile experience, characterized by a medium-strength bump that is noticeable but not overly aggressive. This allows for a comfortable typing experience, blending responsiveness with a solid tactile sensation that is appealing for users who type frequently. The Outemu Milk Tea switches, while having an unspecified description, may offer a unique tactile experience as well, but without documented specifics, it’s challenging to compare them directly. Users might find similar tactile satisfaction depending on their preferences and the specific keyboard configuration.

In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches present a well-defined experience in both sound and feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches offer an unknown but potentially unique alternative. With the Cherry MX option, users can expect a reliable tactile and auditory response suited for diverse use cases, whereas the Milk Tea's qualities remain a mystery, inviting users to explore their potential in different setups. Ultimately, individuals seeking a consistent typing experience will likely find satisfaction in the Cherry MX Purple, while the Milk Tea may require personal testing to determine its place in the realm of tactile switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it’s essential to consider what aspects matter most to you in a typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump, which is particularly appealing if you enjoy a distinct tactile feedback that enhances your typing precision. This switch is also well-suited for those who appreciate a smooth sound profile while typing, making it a great choice for both typing and gaming with its satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch could be preferable if you are seeking an economical option that still provides a tactile feedback without the premium price tag. If you desire a more customized or vibrant aesthetic, the versatility in switch choice offered by the Milk Tea may also be beneficial. Ultimately, your choice should align with your priorities, whether it be precision, sound preference, or budget considerations.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more