Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Black and Outemu Milk Tea offer unique experiences for users. The Dustproof Black is a linear switch, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a tactile switch, offering a satisfying bump when a key is actuated. While the Dustproof Black may be preferred by gamers and typists who prefer a straightforward keystroke, the Milk Tea could be more appealing to those who enjoy a tactile response 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Outemu Milk Tea, we can see that they both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This means that both switches will have a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile and clear resonance. Additionally, the polycarbonate material allows for RGB lighting to show through, adding a visually appealing aspect to both switches. However, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a very bright sound signature, while the Dustproof Black's polycarbonate top housing may produce a crisper sound. Overall, both switches will provide a similar sound experience due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Dustproof Black and Milk Tea feature a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softness and sound-absorbing qualities. This means that both switches will have a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. The split between the top and bottom housing allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Outemu Milk Tea have differences in their top housing materials, they both share nylon bottom housings. This results in a similar overall sound profile for both switches, with slight variations in brightness and crispness. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in the two switches provides a balance of resonance, impact, and sound absorption, leading to a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Outemu Milk Tea may come down to personal preference for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that the Dustproof Black is the heavier option. The Dustproof Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prioritize a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. The bottom out force for the Milk Tea is unknown, so it is difficult to compare it directly with the Dustproof Black in terms of heavier or lighter pressure. Regardless, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Dustproof Black providing a heavier feel and the Milk Tea offering a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distances, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with the same amount of key travel. This means that whether you choose the Dustproof Black or the Milk Tea, you can expect similar results in terms of how the keys feel when pressed. Overall, the travel distance for both switches is the same, ensuring that typing on either option will provide a consistent and familiar typing experience.
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 Dustproof 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
The Outemu Dustproof Black and Milk Tea switches both offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dustproof Black switch is known for a smoother sound profile, with a quieter typing experience compared to the Milk Tea switch which produces a more tactile and audible sound with each key press. The feel of the Dustproof Black switch is noted for its linear movement and consistent actuation, providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing feedback to the user while typing.
Overall, the Dustproof Black and Milk Tea switches offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Dustproof Black switch would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and audible sound while typing, the Milk Tea switch would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. Whether you choose the Dustproof Black or Milk Tea switch, both will provide reliable performance and durability in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a heavier bottom out force and smooth linear actuation, the Dustproof Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile bump and don't mind a lighter bottom out force, the Milk Tea switch could be more your speed. Additionally, if sound is a crucial factor for you, take into consideration the noise profile of each switch. Ultimately, your decision should come down to personal preference in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.