Outemu Milk Blue vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Silent Brown offer distinct experiences for users. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch with a sharp tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy the audible click sound while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a quieter typing experience with its tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle keyboard sound. Both switches have their own unique qualities and cater to different preferences. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the TTC Silent Brown, it is evident that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for translucency, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. Despite these similarities, the two switches may still have minor differences in terms of sound due to other factors such as stem design or overall construction.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing material, both the Milk Blue and the Silent Brown opt for nylon. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon plastic. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, despite the similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing, the typing experience may differ slightly between the two switches in terms of sound and feel when bottoming out a key.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Silent Brown switches allows for a unique typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing brings a deeper and fuller sound to the typing experience. These subtle differences in housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch, providing users with distinct options to suit their preferences. Ultimately, whether using the Milk Blue or the Silent Brown, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with a mix of sharpness and depth in sound.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches do not provide information on the bottom out force, but the Silent Brown is noted to have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The Milk Blue switch may provide a lighter typing experience due to its higher actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch with its slightly lower actuation force but heavier bottom out force might appeal to those who prefer a more solid and substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper travel feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of key press feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in sound and feel. The Milk Blue switch is known for its loud clicky sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch is praised for its muted sound, providing a quieter typing experience that is ideal for office settings or for those who prefer a more subtle noise level.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch lacks a specific descriptor, indicating a lack of particular tactile characteristics beyond its clicky nature. Conversely, the Silent Brown switch is praised for its buttery feel, offering a smooth and uniform keystroke experience that is both comfortable and satisfying. Additionally, the Silent Brown switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing sensation that falls in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of tactility.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles. While the Milk Blue excels in providing a loud and clicky typing experience, the Silent Brown is favored for its muted sound and comfortable, buttery feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, tactility, and typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches can offer a satisfactory typing experience depending on the user's preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a clicky tactile feedback with no bottom out force and don't mind the louder sound profile, the Milk Blue might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown switches would be a more suitable option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to choose based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you.
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