Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Outemu Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, a notable difference is their respective typing experiences. The MX Speed Silver stands out for its linear switch design, offering rapid response and low spring resistance, ideal for gamers seeking quick, precise keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea features a tactile switch that provides a satisfying bump feedback, making it a preferred choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel. While the MX Speed Silver is lauded for its textured and thocky typing experience, the Milk Tea's typing experience is characterized by its soft touch and quiet operation. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and Outemu Milk Tea both feature nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic and sound absorption properties. However, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks when typing, offering a slightly different typing experience compared to the MX Speed Silver. While both switches share the same material for their top housing, the Milk Tea's unique sound signature sets it apart from the MX Speed Silver.
On the other hand, both the MX Speed Silver and Outemu Milk Tea utilize nylon bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic and sound absorption capabilities. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Despite this similarity in material, the bottom housing of a switch has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both the MX Speed Silver and Outemu Milk Tea.
While the top and bottom housings of the MX Speed Silver and Outemu Milk Tea are different, each housing material brings unique qualities to the overall typing experience. The split between the bottom and top of the switch allows for a combination of qualities from both nylon top and bottom housing. As a result, the sound and feel when pressing down on a key will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound upon releasing the key will be influenced by the top housing. This division in housing materials offers a subtle variation in typing feedback between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Outemu Milk Tea switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, we see that the MX Speed Silver is lighter with an actuation force of 30 grams, while the Milk Tea is heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Milk Tea provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the MX Speed Silver, while those who enjoy a more hearty keypress may opt for the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea switch. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that sound can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as having a textured feel, which means there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys. Some users prefer this slight texture for added feedback while typing. The feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is unknown, making it challenging to compare the two switches in terms of tactile feedback. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a significant role in determining which switch feel is most comfortable for an individual.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and instant triggering, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch would be a great choice, especially for gaming where quick reactions are crucial. The Outemu Milk Tea switch, with its tactile characteristics yet unknown sound and feel, may be a suitable option for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience without the overly clicky sound. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you value speed and quick response time in your typing or gaming experience, you may want to consider choosing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch. Its low spring resistance and instant triggering make it ideal for those who need to act swiftly. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feel and enjoy a more satisfying sound when typing, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch might be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences and the specific use case for your keyboard. Consider how you prioritize speed, feel, and sound when making your decision.
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