Outemu Milk Blue vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct qualities to consider. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch with a unique typing experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes. The Milk Blue provides a satisfying click and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more linear 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, we see that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for more clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the differences between the two switches come into play with their nylon bottom housings. The Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing offers a similar typing experience with its softer plastic material.
While both the Milk Blue and Sea Salt Lemon feature polycarbonate top housings that enhance sound quality and aesthetic appeal, their differences lie in their nylon bottom housings. The Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing provides a distinct typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon's nylon bottom housing offers a similar sound experience, with both switches showcasing the classic benefits of using nylon material in switch housings.
Overall, the split qualities between the top and bottom housings of the Milk Blue and Sea Salt Lemon switches provide unique typing experiences. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The top housing, on the other hand, plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While both switches offer similar sound profiles with their nylon bottom housings, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon materials in the Outemu Milk Blue and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches provide distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Milk Blue has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams, indicating that the Milk Blue requires a slightly heavier touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon surpasses the Milk Blue as it has a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The Milk Blue's bottom out force is unknown, but it is likely lighter than the Sea Salt Lemon based on the actuation force comparison. Overall, those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Sea Salt Lemon, while those who prefer a heavier bottom out force may opt for the Milk Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for key actuation.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting their travel distance, it can be said that both switches provide a satisfying key press feeling with a consistent travel distance. The similarity in travel distance means that whether you choose the Milk Blue or Sea Salt Lemon switch, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. In terms of key travel distance, both switches offer a standard typing experience without any significant differences.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 loud and crisp click with a high-pitched tone, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that is more subdued and bass-heavy, creating a mellow typing experience that is less disruptive in quiet environments. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a louder and clickier typing experience or a quieter and smoother one.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Blue switch offers a tactile bump and a clicky feedback that is more pronounced, providing a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, offering a gentle and consistent actuation that is less jarring on the fingers. While the Milk Blue switch is known for its tactile feedback, the Sea Salt Lemon switch focuses more on delivering a smooth and linear typing experience, catering to those who prioritize consistency and comfort over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities that cater to varying preferences in typing experiences. The Milk Blue switch is ideal for those who prefer a loud and tactile typing experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch is perfect for individuals seeking a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile response or a smoother and more consistent typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a switch with a clicky sound and no bottom out force, the Milk Blue may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon switch might be more suited to your taste. Consider the sound and feel descriptions of each switch to determine which one aligns more closely with your typing preferences. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to choose the one that best fits your typing style. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what feels best for you.
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