Outemu Blue vs. Outemu Milk Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Milk Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Blue and Outemu Milk Blue switches both fall under the clicky switch category. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue switch offers a quieter typing experience compared to the traditional Outemu Blue switch, while still providing the same tactile feedback. If you're looking for a switch that offers a balance between noise level and tactile feel, the Outemu Milk Blue may be the better option for you. 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
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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 main difference between the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Milk Blue housing materials lies in their top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing aspect to the switch. In terms of sound and aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches offers similar benefits.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Outemu Blue and the Outemu Milk Blue switches differ in material, with both switches featuring a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other harder plastics. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall typing experience, providing a unique sound and feel that is distinguishable from switches with different housing materials.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Outemu Blue and Outemu Milk Blue switches offers a balanced typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a range of sound profiles when typing on these switches. While the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a crisper and sharper sound profile or a deeper and fuller one, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
The Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch both have an actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally sensitive to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, this information is not available for either switch. In terms of weight, both switches seem to offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, which may result in similar results during use. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience regardless of whether they choose the Outemu Blue or Outemu Milk Blue switch. Whether someone prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience will ultimately depend on personal preference and how they prioritize typing comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same key travel distance. The Outemu Blue and Outemu Milk Blue switches offer a satisfying clicky feedback with the same travel distance, allowing for consistent tactile feedback and key response in typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches is equal, providing users with a similar typing experience regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Blue 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
When it comes to the sound produced by the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, both switches are known for their satisfying click sound that is both audible and tactile. The Outemu Blue switch has a crisper and more pronounced click sound compared to the Outemu Milk Blue switch, which is slightly quieter and softer in comparison. However, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with their distinct clicky sound profiles.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Blue clicky switch provides a tactile feedback that is accompanied by a noticeable actuation force. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offers a smoother keystroke that requires a lighter actuation force, making it easier on the fingers during extended typing sessions. Both switches offer a tactile bump during actuation, providing users with a responsive typing experience that is preferred by many enthusiasts.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, both switches ultimately offer a satisfying typing experience for users who enjoy clicky switches. Whether you prefer a crisper click sound and a higher actuation force with the Outemu Blue switch, or a quieter typing experience with a lighter actuation force with the Outemu Milk Blue switch, you can expect similar results in terms of overall quality and performance from these Outemu switch options.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it really comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prioritize a louder and crispier typing experience, the Outemu Blue clicky switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly quieter and smoother typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your typing habits, working environment, and personal preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Happy typing!
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