Outemu Milk Blue vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the SP-Star RedBlue offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The milk blue switch is recognized for its clicky feedback and satisfying tactile feel, making it a top choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switch stands out for its smooth keystrokes and medium-light typing feel, ideal for users seeking a quieter and more subtle typing experience. Both switches fall under different categories - the Milk Blue being clicky, while the RedBlue is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, polished. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preferences and typing style, but 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the SP-Star RedBlue are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate plastic, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. While the top housing of these switches may be similar, the key difference lies in the bottom housing material.
The Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the RedBlue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing. This choice contributes to a sharper, crisper sound profile that is consistent throughout the entire switch. While the top and bottom housings play different roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch, the choice of housing material can significantly impact the typing experience.
Overall, both the Milk Blue and the RedBlue switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Milk Blue provides a deeper and fuller typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, while the RedBlue delivers a consistent, sharp sound profile with its polycarbonate bottom housing. Despite the differences in the bottom housing material, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound. Whether you prefer a softer, more absorbent sound or a sharper, crisper typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Milk Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the RedBlue, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the RedBlue has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Milk Blue, which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Milk Blue may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial push feel may lean towards the SP-Star RedBlue switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that the typing experience with these switches will result in a similar feel in terms of travel distance. Therefore, in this aspect, both switches offer the same level of key travel for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
The Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its clicky and tactile feedback, resulting in a satisfyingly crisp sound with each key press. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile that is relatively quiet compared to clicky switches. The RedBlue linear switches are specifically designed for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience, making them suitable for environments where noise may be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch provides a tactile bump upon actuation, giving it a snappy and responsive feel which is favored by many typing enthusiasts. The SP-Star RedBlue switch, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the RedBlue switch results in a gentle key press that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch provide different auditory and tactile experiences. While the Milk Blue offers a satisfyingly crisp and tactile typing experience with its signature clicky sound, the RedBlue switch provides a smoother and quieter typing experience that is more subdued. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a smooth and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch or the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky switch with a unique typing experience and no bottom out force, then the Milk Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a bottom out force of 57 grams, the RedBlue may be more suitable for your needs. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and typing experience when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to choose the one that fits your preferences and typing habits best.
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