Outemu Milk Blue vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, and the KTT Purple Star, a linear switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Milk Blue is known for its satisfying click sound and tactile feedback, providing a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star stands out for its smooth keystrokes and quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. While the Milk Blue is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced click and feedback while typing, the Purple Star caters to individuals who prefer a smooth and quiet typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Blue and KTT Purple Star switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience for users. While the top housings differ in material, both switches share a similar goal of providing a satisfying sound profile for typists.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Milk Blue utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone compared to harder plastics. Meanwhile, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing complements its POM top housing, contributing to the overall deep and muted sound profile of the switch. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings aim to enhance the typing experience with their unique sound characteristics, catering to users with varying preferences.
When considering the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how each component influences the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with nylon contributing to a deeper sound profile in the case of the Milk Blue switch. On the other hand, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or POM, affects the sound when a key is released. By understanding the properties of each housing material in the Outemu Milk Blue and KTT Purple Star switches, users can choose a switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch reveals some differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Purple Star's lighter 43 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Purple Star requires 50 grams while the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Purple Star makes it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue's heavier actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. The Milk Blue switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star switch, which means that you may feel a bit more resistance and depth when pressing down on the keys. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, making them suitable for a variety of users. If you prefer a more responsive feel with a shorter travel distance, the Purple Star switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Milk Blue switch with its longer travel distance could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, making it hard to directly compare to the low-pitched sound of the KTT Purple Star linear switch. However, clicky switches like the Milk Blue typically have a sharp and audible click noise when typing, while linear switches like the Purple Star are known for their smoother and more consistent sound profile. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switch's specific qualities are not mentioned, but as a clicky switch, it likely provides tactile feedback with an audible click during actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as having a mild and easy-to-press typing experience. With an actuation force of 45g, these switches offer a light and effortless typing feel that is comfortable for light typists. The smooth POM construction of the Purple Star switch contributes to a buttery typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and reduces fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Blue provides a likely tactile and clicky feedback with its actuation, while the Purple Star delivers a smooth and easy typing experience with low-pitched sound. If you prefer a more audible and tactile typing experience, the Milk Blue switch may be the better choice, while the Purple Star switch is ideal for those looking for a quieter and smoother typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a clicky typing experience with no bottom out force and a distinct sound profile, then the Outemu Milk Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter linear switch with a bottom out force of 50 grams and a more gentle typing experience, the KTT Purple Star switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and typing experience. Consider what factors are most important to you and choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and preferences.
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