Outemu Black vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black 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 Outemu Black and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Outemu Black is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea is a tactile switch, providing a slight bump and feedback when the key is actuated, making it ideal for typing enthusiasts who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. While the Black switch may be preferred for its straightforward and uninterrupted keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch appeals to those who appreciate feedback and precision while typing. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and the Outemu Milk Tea both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile and are ideal for RGB lighting due to their translucency. However, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a very bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks while typing. This makes the Milk Tea a great option for those looking for a different sound experience compared to the Black.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Outemu Black and the Outemu Milk Tea feature nylon bottom housings. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality, with the bottom housing playing a key role in the overall sound profile.
Overall, while the Outemu Black and the Outemu Milk Tea share similarities in their nylon bottom housings, they offer different sound experiences due to their top housings. The Black's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright sound signature. This means that users looking for a particular sound profile can choose between the two switches based on their preferences for a sharper or brighter sound experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Black linear switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in the actuation force and bottom out force. The Black switch has a higher actuation force of 65 grams compared to the Milk Tea switch's 45 grams, making the Black switch heavier to press down. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Black switch is 82 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Milk Tea switch is unknown. The Black switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Milk Tea switch offers a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, it is evident that both switches offer a similar experience in terms of keypress feel. Users can expect a consistent 4mm travel distance regardless of whether they choose the linear Black switch or the tactile Milk Tea switch. This means that when it comes to keypress feedback and overall typing experience, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Tea.
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 the sound produced by the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Black switch is known for its quiet operation, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is said to have a slightly higher pitched sound with a tactile bump, providing a more satisfying auditory feedback when typing. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Black switch offers a smooth and consistent linear keystroke, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for rapid key actuation. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing a more pronounced feedback to the user's fingertips. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy and prevent accidental key presses for some users, enhancing their overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a quiet and linear typing experience, the Black switch may be the way to go, while those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback may find the Milk Tea switch more to their liking. Both switches are reliable options that can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality and performance no matter which one you choose.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preference for a heavier switch with a consistent linear feel for the Black, and a lighter switch with a tactile bump for the Milk Tea. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Black switch may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy feeling a tactile bump while typing for better feedback, the Milk Tea switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you value a linear or tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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