Outemu Milk Blue vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. The Outemu Milk Blue switch, celebrated for its distinctively clicky sound, offers an auditory delight that many typists adore, enhancing the tactile experience with each press. This switch can be an excellent choice for those who appreciate a feedback-rich typing experience, making every keystroke feel pronounced and satisfying. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch provides a different appeal with its linear design, characterized by a smooth actuation and a deep, thocky sound that is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This provides a quieter and more subdued typing experience, perfect for those who prefer uninterrupted focus or work in shared environments. Both switches appeal to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel, making each suitable for distinct 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

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Akko Rosewood switches, notable differences arise primarily from the composition of their top housings. The Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and inherent translucency. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the overall acoustic experience, especially when RGB lighting is employed. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing, a material known for its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a duller and rounder auditory experience due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound. The aesthetic capabilities differ as well; while the polycarbonate allows for striking visibility of RGB effects, the nylon does not offer the same level of translucency.

On the other hand, both the Milk Blue and the Rosewood share similarities in their bottom housing, as both switches employ nylon material. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile in their typing experience due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Consequently, this leads to a more muted and rounded feel when bottoming out, regardless of the distinct sound characteristics provided by the top housings. When pressed down, typists will experience a consistent acoustic quality driven by the nylon material in the bottom housing, reinforcing the overall connection between both switches in this aspect.

Ultimately, the main contrast lies in the sound profiles generated by their differing top housings, while the similarity in their bottom materials establishes a foundation for a cozy typing experience. Switch enthusiasts can therefore expect different auditory responses based on the type of top housing material employed, with the Milk Blue pivoting towards a more elevated frequency range and the Rosewood tending towards a warmer, richer tone. However, the cohesive presence of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing feel when bottoming out, creating an enjoyable tactile experience that complements their unique sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and the available information on their bottom out forces. The Milk Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, which indicates a heavier push required to trigger a keystroke, while the Rosewood is lighter at 40 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods, a feature appreciated in both work and gaming environments. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, while the Rosewood's bottom out force is specified at 50 grams. This means that while both switches may provide varying typing experiences—with the Milk Blue offering a more substantial feel and the Rosewood being lighter—players or typists looking for less fatigue during long sessions would likely prefer the Rosewood switch for its lower actuation force. In summary, the Milk Blue is the heavier option with an unspecified bottom out force, while the Rosewood is lighter with a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to different user preferences.

Travel distance

The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in identical user experiences in terms of key travel. This similarity means that users can expect comparable results when typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either switch, as the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same for both. While the Milk Blue offers a tactile click upon actuation, the Rosewood provides a smooth linear feel, allowing users to choose based on their preferred feedback without worrying about differences in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is characterized by an audible click that many typists appreciate for its tactile feedback. Though the specific sound profile for the Milk Blue is not provided, clicky switches like this typically produce a sharp, distinct noise when activated, creating an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is well-known for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that promotes a smooth auditory experience. This thocky quality can be particularly delightful in a quieter environment, where the sound comes through as more pronounced and enjoyable.

When it comes to feel, the Milk Blue switch, being a clicky type, often provides a tactile bump that signals actuation, which many find pleasurable when typing. The tactile feedback is designed to enhance typing speed and accuracy. The Rosewood switch, being linear, has a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback or click, appealing to users who prefer a more subtle and fluid motion. This can be advantageous for gamers or those seeking a quieter typing experience, as there is no distracting bump or click during key presses.

In summary, while the Outemu Milk Blue is known for its clicky sound and tactile feedback that appeals to typists, the Akko Rosewood offers a smooth, thocky auditory experience with a linear feel. These differences cater to various preferences in typing and gaming experiences. Selecting between these switches will ultimately come down to whether one values the tactile response and auditory feedback of clicky switches or the fluidity and smoothness of linear switches, with both achieving satisfying results in different ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile and audibly satisfying experience while typing, the Milk Blue is an excellent choice, offering a pronounced click that enhances your keystrokes, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback. However, it’s important to consider the absence of specific force measurement, which may indicate variability in feel and performance depending on individual switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter tactical experience, the Rosewood’s linear design with a bottom-out force of 50 grams provides a deeper, thocky sound that comes with a delightful responsiveness right out of the box, thanks to its factory lubrication. This makes it ideal for those who want a more subdued typing experience without sacrificing satisfying feedback. In essence, if you thrive on that tactile click and enjoy the accompanying sound for a more engaging typing experience, the Milk Blue is your go-to. Conversely, if you favor a smooth, deliberate keystroke with a rich sound profile, the Akko Rosewood should be your switch of choice.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more