Outemu Milk Blue vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing preferences, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Silver, a linear switch. The Milk Blue switch is often favored for its satisfying tactile feedback and clicky sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy the audible confirmation of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silver switch is known for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it a preferred choice for fast typists or gamers who prioritize quick response times. 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and Outemu Silver switches, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, while the top housing may be identical in both switches, the Outemu Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Outemu Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the Milk Blue.
Despite the similarities in their top housing material, the Outemu Milk Blue and Outemu Silver switches demonstrate distinct differences in their sound profiles due to the use of different bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. This means that while the top housing mainly influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Therefore, the choice of bottom housing material can have a noticeable impact on the overall typing experience with these switches.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue and Outemu Silver switches offer similar sound characteristics in terms of their polycarbonate top housings, producing sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profiles. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in deeper and fuller sound profiles that differ slightly between the two due to their unique design. Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch creates a distinct typing experience, with the bottom housing playing a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Outemu Silver linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Silver switch is heavier with 65 grams compared to the Milk Blue switch where the force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may opt for the Outemu Silver switch, which could allow for longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Milk Blue switch with its slightly heavier actuation force. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their actuation and bottom out forces, so users should consider their preferences when choosing between the two options.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, it can be said that both switches offer a consistent and standard distance for users to feel when pressing a key. This means that whether you choose the Milk Blue clicky switch or the Silver linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance experienced while typing. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience with their 4 mm travel distance, providing users with a consistent feel across different switch options.
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 Silver.
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 distinct clicking sound, which is characterized as crisp and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch is recognized for its smooth and quiet operation, with no audible click. When it comes to feel, the Milk Blue switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing feedback to the user. In contrast, the Silver switch offers a consistent keystroke with no tactile bump, allowing for a smooth and linear typing experience. Overall, the Milk Blue switch is ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback and a tactile typing sensation, while the Silver switch caters to those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and needs. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience without a bottom out force, the Milk Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and linear typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silver switch would be a better fit. Consider the sound and feel of each switch as well when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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