Outemu Milk Blue vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Blue and Outemu Silent Yellow offer distinct experiences for users. The Milk Blue switch is a clicky switch, providing tactile feedback and an audible click with each key press, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy the satisfying sound and feel of typing. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow switch is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump or audible click, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately the decision will come down to personal preference. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it's clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, making them ideal for users who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characteristic of switches using nylon. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which similarly creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This similarity in material choice for the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of the switch. While the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, users can expect a balance of qualities from both the top and bottom housing materials when using either the Outemu Milk Blue or the Outemu Silent Yellow switches.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Blue is unknown, while the Silent Yellow has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavier. The actuation force is crucial for determining how easy or difficult it is to register a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the resistance when fully pressing a key. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Milk Blue, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Silent Yellow with its heavier force for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate switch weight is crucial in achieving the desired typing feel for each user.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same level of travel. The travel distance plays a significant role in the typing experience, as it determines how far down you need to press the key to register a keystroke. In this case, both switches provide users with a consistent travel distance, resulting in similar typing experiences. This makes them equally suitable for individuals who prefer a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Yellow.
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 renowned for its loud and tactile feedback, emitting a satisfying click with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is lauded for its quiet and smooth operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. The Milk Blue switch provides a more pronounced tactile bump compared to the Silent Yellow switch, which offers a consistent and linear feel without any tactile feedback.
When it comes to sound, the Milk Blue switch produces a distinct clicking noise that can be quite loud, which may be disruptive in quiet environments. Meanwhile, the Silent Yellow switch offers a near-silent typing experience, perfect for those looking to minimize noise levels during typing sessions. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard case material, keycap material, and typing technique.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch provides a satisfying tactile bump that can help with typing accuracy and feedback. Contrarily, the Silent Yellow switch offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile feedback, allowing for quick and quiet typing sessions. Both switches have their own unique feel, catering to different preferences for typing comfort and performance.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. If you prefer a loud and tactile typing experience, the Milk Blue switch is the way to go. However, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Yellow switch would be the better option. It's important to consider your typing habits, environment, and personal preferences when choosing between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for a clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Milk Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a silent operation with no clicky sound, the Silent Yellow switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision to ensure you choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences.
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