Cherry MX Red vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Cherry MX Red and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch that is widely recognized for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that balances responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch that offers a different typing experience. While the Cherry MX Red is categorized as ['Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured'], the Milk Tea does not have any specific categories listed. If you are looking for a switch that offers a smooth, quiet typing experience, the Cherry MX Red may be the way to go. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Red and Outemu Milk Tea switches have different top housing materials, with the MX Red using nylon and the Milk Tea using Ly. The nylon top housing of the MX Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing, providing a unique typing experience.
Both the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Milk Tea switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that regardless of the switch used, the bottom housing material will play a significant role in the sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Due to the differences in housing materials for the top and bottom of the Cherry MX Red and Outemu Milk Tea switches, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing material has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of actuation force, they are identical, so users can expect a similar typing experience in that aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, neither switch provides information, making it difficult to compare the two in that regard. Generally, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for being a lighter switch, which may be preferred by those looking for a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it can be noted that they both offer a consistent typing experience with the same amount of travel required to actuate the key. This means that users can expect a similar feel and actuation point when using either switch. Whether you choose the Cherry MX Red or the Outemu Milk Tea, you can anticipate a smooth and precise typing experience with the same travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. When comparing the two based on available information, the MX Red is likely to offer a deeper and more bass-heavy sound compared to the Milk Tea switch.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured, implying that it may have noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can add a unique tactile feedback to each keystroke, enhancing the typing experience for some users. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is unspecified. If it is also textured, users can expect a similar tactile feedback to the Cherry MX Red switch.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are unknown, users can potentially expect a similar level of textured feedback from the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as well as other factors such as board and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between Cherry MX Red linear switches and Outemu Milk Tea tactile switches, you should consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, along with a responsive typing experience, the Cherry MX Red switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a unique sound profile, the Outemu Milk Tea switches could be the way to go. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you when typing. So, take some time to test out both switches and see which one suits your typing style best.
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