KTT Orange vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are distinct differences in their features and characteristics. The KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. With a unique combination of polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch delivers a smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks specific standout features but offers a tactile typing experience. While the KTT Orange switch is ideal for those looking for a bouncy and frictionless typing feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch may appeal to individuals seeking a tactile feedback. However, let's delve deeper beyond these general descriptions to help you decide on the best switch for your mechanical keyboard.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Outemu Milk Tea switches offer unique characteristics that impact the sound and feel of typing. The Orange utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness results in a clear and resonant sound, especially suitable for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch features a Ly top housing, which produces a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. The Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing, in contrast to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing, lends a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While both the KTT Orange and the Outemu Milk Tea switches have distinct housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Orange contribute to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for users seeking a clear and resonant typing experience. In comparison, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing and nylon bottom housing combination offer a bright sound signature and deep, full sound profile, providing a different typing experience that may appeal to a different set of users. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize the sound and feel of typing, showcasing the importance of housing materials in switch design.
The choice between the KTT Orange and the Outemu Milk Tea switches ultimately depends on the user's preference for sound and feel during typing. The polycarbonate housing of the Orange delivers a sharp and clear sound profile, while the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. The contrasting characteristics of these housing materials highlight the impact they have on the overall typing experience. Whether users prioritize a crisper sound profile or a more resonant typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that demonstrate the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of mechanical switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are quite similar, with the Orange switch being slightly lighter overall. The Orange switch has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Milk Tea switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Milk Tea switch is unavailable, so it's difficult to directly compare the two switches in that aspect. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea switch might be a better option due to its slightly lower actuation force. However, for those who like a more substantial typing feel, the Orange switch might be preferred. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Orange has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Orange switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more deliberate and deep keystroke may lean towards the Milk Tea switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Orange linear switch offers a low-pitched profile that provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remains unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard casing and keycap material used.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Orange switch is praised for its bouncy and frictionless qualities. With a 22mm long spring, these switches offer a spring-like feedback and a smooth, effortless typing experience. The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have any specific descriptions available for its feel, making it hard to make a direct comparison. However, based on the information provided, it is evident that the KTT Orange switch prioritizes bounciness and smoothness in its tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange linear switch excels in providing a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless feel for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain unknown, making it challenging to compare directly. If you are looking for similar results to the KTT Orange switch, you may want to consider other linear switches with low-pitched sound profiles and bouncy, frictionless feedback for a comparable typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a medium-light bottom out force and a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless key travel with a lively feel, the KTT Orange switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a different typing experience with a tactile feedback that the Milk Tea switch offers, then that would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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