Outemu Milk Blue vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and KTT Semi Mute stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Milk Blue switch is well-known for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying tactile response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch, despite its name, offers a completely silent operation thanks to advanced dampening technology, making it ideal for creating a noise-free environment during late-night typing sessions. While the Milk Blue switch falls under the clicky switch category, the KTT Semi Mute switch is categorized as a linear switch with a 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral' feel. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your preference for audible feedback and 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

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the KTT Semi Mute switches, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing leads to a clear and resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Nylon bottom housing on the Milk Blue offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing materials could make a noticeable impact on the overall sound and feel of typing on each switch.

While the top housings of the Milk Blue and Semi Mute switches are both made of polycarbonate, the bottom housing materials differ significantly in their sound profiles and characteristics. The Nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue provides a softer plastic that produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Typing on switches with Nylon bottom housings may offer a more muted and round sound compared to the clear and resonant sound produced by switches with polycarbonate bottom housings.

Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. The Outemu Milk Blue's combination of polycarbonate top housing and Nylon bottom housing creates a unique blend of sharpness and fullness in sound, while the KTT Semi Mute's dual polycarbonate housing results in a consistent, clear, and resonant sound profile. Both switches provide their own distinct typing experiences based on the materials used in their housings, offering users the opportunity to choose based on their preference for sound and feel.

Weight

The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, while the Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This makes the Semi Mute switch heavier overall, as it requires more force to bottom out. The actuation force of the Milk Blue would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the lighter actuation force of the Semi Mute may be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer unique attributes in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different preferences and typing styles.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience a similar distance in terms of the switch's travel. In this case, both switches offer the same level of travel distance, resulting in comparable typing experiences. This makes them suitable for individuals who prefer a consistent feel when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, whether one chooses the Milk Blue or the Semi Mute switch will depend on personal preference for clicky versus linear switches rather than travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for producing a loud, clicky sound that is reminiscent of typewriters. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed to be muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. The Semi Mute switch is ideal for those who prefer minimal noise and a more discreet typing sound. While the Milk Blue offers a distinctive and pronounced auditory feedback, the Semi Mute provides a more subtle and unobtrusive typing noise, catering to different preferences for sound levels during typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch offers a tactile and clicky typing experience with a satisfying bump at the actuation point. The KTT Semi Mute switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery and smooth keystroke feel, thanks to its linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. The Semi Mute switch delivers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, perfect for users who prioritize comfort and fluidity in their typing experience. While the Milk Blue switch offers a more tactile and pronounced feedback, the Semi Mute switch provides a gentle and consistent typing feel that is comfortable for long typing sessions.

In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Blue excels in providing a loud and clicky sound with tactile feedback, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is designed for quiet and smooth operation, offering a muted sound and buttery keystroke feel for a more discreet and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound levels and typing feel, both switches cater to different needs and offer unique advantages in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider your priorities for noise level and typing feel. If you prefer a clicky and tactile typing experience with an added audial feedback, the Milk Blue switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you value a quiet environment and enjoy a smooth and gentle typing feel, the Semi Mute switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and the setting in which you will be using the keyboard. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so choose wisely based on what matters most to you.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

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KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more