Outemu Milk Blue vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, and the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch. The Milk Blue switch is best known for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy auditory and tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Tom switch is known for its tactile bump without the accompanying audible click, providing a quieter typing experience while still offering that tactile response. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
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
3.30 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 housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and Outemu Tom switches share a commonality in their polycarbonate top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting. With similar top housings, users can expect to experience comparable sound characteristics from both the Milk Blue and Tom switches when typing.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Outemu Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. Conversely, the Outemu Tom also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound characteristics to the Milk Blue. Typing on switches with nylon housings is likely to give users a distinct typing experience in terms of sound and feel, as compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings.
In considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed throughout the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound emitted when a key is released. While both the Milk Blue and Tom switches may have similar top housings, the differing bottom housings contribute to unique typing experiences and sound profiles for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it's clear that the Milk Blue is lighter with an actuation force of 50 grams, whereas the Tom is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. The actuation force is crucial for determining how easy it is to type quickly and accurately, with a lighter force being preferred by those who type for extended periods. However, some users may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Tom switch for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of actuation force, users can expect similar results from both switches in terms of triggering a keystroke, but the slight difference in weight may provide a different typing experience for each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Tom switch slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Milk Blue switch. The shorter travel distance of the Tom switch may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the Milk Blue switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Milk Blue switch provides a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press sensation.
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 Tom.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its crisp, high-pitched click with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its quieter sound profile, with a subtle bump feeling as you press down on the key. It offers a more subdued typing experience in terms of sound compared to the Milk Blue switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is characterized by its light and tactile feedback, offering a responsive and clicky typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch provides a more pronounced bump when typing, giving users a satisfying tactile sensation without the audible click of the Milk Blue switch.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is best suited for those who enjoy a louder and more pronounced typing experience, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch is a better option for those who prefer a quieter and more tactile typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when choosing between the two. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch or the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in typing experience. If you enjoy a loud, clicky sound with each key press and prefer a light actuation force, then the Milk Blue switch would be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with a tactile bump to indicate key actuation and a slightly heavier actuation force, then the Tom switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel while typing.
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