TTC Neptune vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Neptune, a linear switch, to the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, it's evident that each offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. The Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, providing a smooth and almost frictionless glide while offering a springy resistance akin to chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. This creates a distinct "matte" feel that makes typing a textured pleasure. On the other hand, the Milk Tea, although lacking a standout feature like the Neptune, delivers a tactile bump that provides feedback with each keystroke. While the Neptune is best suited for those who prefer an ultralight, muted typing experience, the Milk Tea caters to typists who enjoy a more tactile and pronounced feedback with their keystrokes. 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
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer distinct sound profiles and characteristics. The Neptune's POM top housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing creates a bright and resonant clack when typing. In contrast, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Neptune and the Milk Tea switches both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The POM top housing of the Neptune and the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea offer distinct sound signatures with their unique characteristics. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune and the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Tea contribute to the switch's overall sound profile, with the stiffness of polycarbonate creating a clear and resonant sound, while nylon's softer nature produces a duller and rounder sound.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the typing experience and sound feedback for users. The split between the top and bottom housing in switches like the Neptune and the Milk Tea allows users to feel the qualities of each material individually. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether opting for the muted and deep sound of POM in the Neptune or the bright and resonant clacks of Ly in the Milk Tea, users can choose a housing material that best suits their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that the Neptune is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Milk Tea. The Neptune's actuation force of 41 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams make it a lighter option, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams and an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Neptune would be the better choice, as it allows for longer typing periods without causing fatigue. On the other hand, for users who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push, the Milk Tea might be the preferred option, despite the unknown bottom out force. Ultimately, the lighter actuation force of the Neptune provides a more effortless typing experience, while the Milk Tea offers a potentially more satisfying and robust typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Neptune linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Neptune for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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
The TTC Neptune linear switch stands out for its low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued sound profile, giving off a thocky and refined auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown. When it comes to feel, the Neptune offers a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth, effortless, and refined tactile sensation. Conversely, the feel of the Milk Tea switch is unspecified. In conclusion, while the Neptune excels in both sound and feel with its unique characteristics, the lack of information on the Milk Tea switch makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, if you prefer a switch with similar qualities to the Neptune, you can expect a satisfying typing experience in both sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth, frictionless feel with a light bottom out force and a muted, low-pitched sound, then the TTC Neptune might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a tactile sensation with varying actuation force and sound profiles, the Outemu Milk Tea could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the kind of experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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