Outemu Black vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision between a linear switch like the Outemu Black and a clicky switch like the Outemu Milk Blue can greatly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Black is best known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a popular choice for gamers and typists who prefer a linear switch with no tactile bump or audible feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue is known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, providing a more tactile typing experience for those who enjoy the audible click with each keystroke. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
65g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and Outemu Milk Blue share the same polycarbonate top housing material, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the resonant sound production, making it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. Both switches offer a visually appealing clear housing that showcases the inner mechanisms, contributing to an overall sleek appearance. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal when in use.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Outemu Black and Outemu Milk Blue differ as the Black features a nylon bottom housing while the Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Milk Blue may offer a slightly sharper sound due to its stiffness. This contrast in bottom housing material may result in a subtle difference in sound profiles between the two switches, with the Black potentially delivering a more rounded sound while the Milk Blue offers a slightly crisper tone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Black and Outemu Milk Blue may come down to personal preference in sound profile. The split in housing materials for the two switches means that the qualities of each material will impact different aspects of typing experience. While both switches offer the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the Outemu Black's nylon bottom housing may provide a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Milk Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Whether you prefer a sharper or a more rounded sound profile, both switches deliver high-quality performance with their unique housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Outemu Black is heavier at 82 grams, while the bottom out force for the Outemu Milk Blue is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Milk Blue, as it requires less force to actuate. However, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel, the Outemu Black may be the preferred choice due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Outemu Black offering a heavier typing experience and the Outemu Milk Blue providing a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and actuation force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys for both switches. The 4 mm travel distance allows for a smooth and consistent keystroke, making it ideal for typing or gaming. Both switches offer a satisfying key press that is neither too short nor too long, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Overall, the Outemu Black and Milk Blue switches provide a reliable typing experience with a consistent travel distance, making them suitable options for a variety of users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Black and Milk Blue.
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 Outemu Black linear switch is known for providing a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subdued sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its pronounced click sound with each press, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that some users find enjoyable. When it comes to feel, the Black switch offers a consistent linear feel without any tactile feedback, while the Milk Blue switch provides a tactile bump along with the audible click, creating a typing experience that is both tactile and auditory.
Overall, the Outemu Black and Milk Blue switches offer different sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Black switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky sound and tactile feedback with each key press, the Milk Blue switch would be more to your liking. Ultimately, the best switch for you would depend on your personal preference in terms of sound and feel while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for a heavier key press as the Black has a bottom out force of 82 grams compared to the Milk Blue's unknown force. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Black may be the better option. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, the Milk Blue with its clicky feedback may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of typing feel and sound.
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