Outemu Milk Blue vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Outemu Silent Grey present two distinct options for users with different preferences. The Milk Blue switch is characterized by its pronounced click sound, while the Silent Grey switch is praised for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience. The Milk Blue switch provides distinct clicky feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch offers a silent typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, appealing to those who prefer a satisfying and quiet typing experience. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 Milk Blue and Outemu Silent Grey switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches leads to a clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiff nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the similarities between the top housings of these switches mean that in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal, users can expect similar results from both the Milk Blue and Silent Grey switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Milk Blue and Silent Grey switches feature nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches contributes significantly to the overall typing experience and sound quality. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both switches offer a unique tactile sensation and sound feedback that appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
The combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in the Outemu Milk Blue and Outemu Silent Grey switches highlights the importance of housing materials in creating distinct typing experiences. While the top housings influence the sound when pressing and releasing keys, the bottom housings play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. By understanding the characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon materials, users can choose between the Milk Blue and Silent Grey switches based on their preference for sound profile, typing feel, and aesthetic design. Ultimately, both switches offer quality construction and unique features that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them equally sensitive in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, they differ when it comes to bottom out force. The Milk Blue has an unknown bottom out force, while the Silent Grey has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Silent Grey requires more force to fully press down compared to the Milk Blue. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Blue may be the better option as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Grey provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired amount of force needed for each keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a consistent amount of travel before the key bottoms out. This similarity in travel distance provides a consistent typing experience for users, allowing them to easily adjust between the two types of switches. Despite their differences in clickiness and tactility, the travel distance of both switches remains consistent, making them equally reliable options for those looking for a specific typing feel.
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 Milk Blue and Silent Grey.
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 Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its loud and clicky sound that many people find satisfying and reminiscent of typewriters. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience with a tactile bump that provides feedback without the audible click. This makes the Silent Grey switch ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment or work in close quarters with others.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch has a light and crisp actuation that some users find to be less satisfying compared to other switches. The Silent Grey switch, on the other hand, provides a pronounced tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, giving users a sense of confirmation with each keystroke. The smooth keystroke of the Silent Grey switch also contributes to a more comfortable typing experience overall.
Overall, if you prefer a loud and clicky typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue switch may be the right choice for you. However, if you value a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer their unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. Regardless, both switches are high-quality options that will provide a dependable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your preference for noise level and tactile feedback. If you enjoy a loud and clicky typing experience with no bottom out force, then the Milk Blue switch would be a great choice for you. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a pronounced bump and medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel when typing on a mechanical keyboard. Consider these factors carefully before making your choice.
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