Outemu Milk Blue vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options to suit their typing preferences. The Outemu Milk Blue switch stands out for its clicky feedback, which provides an audible and tactile response that many typists appreciate for its satisfying engagement. This makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy a classic, nostalgic typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a modern take on tactile performance, featuring smooth operation and a deeper sound profile that combines both satisfaction and precision. Notably, the Rice Pudding switches are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to users who value versatility and advanced functionality. Each switch caters to different preferences—while the Milk Blue is ideal for those seeking a traditional and responsive feel, the Rice Pudding is perfect for users who want a more refined 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
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches, an immediate similarity stands out: both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This commonality assures users of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile generated during use. The use of polycarbonate, recognized for its translucency, also allows these switches to produce vibrant RGB effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboards equipped with them. The sound clarity stemming from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate means that gamers and typists alike can expect a more resonant auditory feedback, regardless of whether they choose the Milk Blue or the Rice Pudding.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge between these two switches, with both utilizing nylon. This choice introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile that complements the characteristics of the top housing material. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less pronounced sound when typing or bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches share the sharper and crisper output from their polycarbonate tops, the deeper resonance from their nylon bases balances out this effect, leading to an overall harmonious auditory experience. Users can appreciate the profound difference in sound thanks to the collaborative nature of these two distinct materials.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Outemu Milk Blue and the Everglide Rice Pudding creates a rich and layered soundscape. Although the top housing contributes primarily to the sound during key releases, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The interplay between a clear and responsive top and a warm, absorbent bottom means that typing on either switch yields similar high-quality auditory results, benefiting enthusiasts looking for enhanced sound profiles in their mechanical keyboards. Whether one leans towards the Milk Blue or the Rice Pudding, the attributes stemming from the materials will ensure an enjoyable keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it heavier and potentially more gratifying for users who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, which might appeal to those seeking a less strenuous typing experience, especially for extended use. Regarding bottom out forces, the Rice Pudding switch has a defined bottom out force of 48 grams, contributing to a distinct tactile feedback when pressed fully. Unfortunately, the Milk Blue's bottom out force is unavailable, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, based on the known forces, if users prioritize a heavier feel, the Milk Blue would be the choice, while those favoring a lighter, snappier response should opt for the Rice Pudding.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Milk Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding measures in at a shorter 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Milk Blue provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which can offer a more tactile typing experience that some may prefer for its satisfying feedback. In contrast, the Rice Pudding's shorter travel distance can lead to quicker actuation and may be more appealing to gamers seeking fast response times. Thus, if you favor responsiveness, the Rice Pudding is the better choice; however, if you enjoy a fuller keystroke, the Milk Blue is likely the more suitable option. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 lacks a well-defined acoustic profile, leaving much to the imagination in terms of what users might specifically feel. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is noted for its deep sound, providing a rich auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This acoustic characteristic enhances the overall typing experience, creating a pleasing auditory backdrop that can elevate the enjoyment of typing. However, it’s important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, meaning that personal setups may vary the overall experience.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch does not have specified characteristics, making it challenging to describe its typing experience. Conversely, the Rice Pudding switch is recognized for its smooth operation, which contributes to a refined typing sensation. This smooth ride can make for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, especially during long typing sessions. Furthermore, the combined traits of smoothness and depth in feedback promote a sense of precision that is often desired in mechanical switches.
Overall, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch does not boast standout qualities in sound or feel, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch presents a compelling option with its satisfying sound and smooth performance. For enthusiasts seeking a keyboard that offers both auditory and tactile enjoyment, the Rice Pudding switch stands out as a versatile choice, particularly with its compatibility with Wooting keyboards. Depending on what qualities you prioritize—be it an unknown or neutral feel with the Milk Blue or the engaging experience offered by the Rice Pudding—you'll likely find options that can be tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a tactile, clicky feedback along with an engaging auditory experience, the Milk Blue could serve you well, particularly in casual typing scenarios or when working on writing tasks. However, be aware that the Milk Blue lacks some defined bottom-out force metrics, which might impact your hand fatigue over longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a more well-rounded experience with its 48-gram bottom-out force that strikes a balance between resistance and comfort, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Its reputation for smooth operation and satisfying acoustics means it could be more conducive to performance-oriented tasks. Additionally, its compatibility with Wooting keyboards positions it favorably for those who want a versatile switch compatible with innovative tech. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize the clicky feedback of the Milk Blue or the smooth, pleasant operation of the Rice Pudding when making your decision.
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