Outemu Milk Blue vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the TTC Silent Red offer distinct experiences for users. The Milk Blue switch is best known for its clicky sound feedback, providing a tactile response with each key press. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is renowned for its smooth and seamless typing experience, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern. The Milk Blue is categorized as a clicky switch, while the Silent Red falls under the linear switch category. If you prioritize a satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Milk Blue may be the switch for you. Alternatively, if you value a quiet typing experience with smooth key presses, the Silent Red could be the perfect fit. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
The Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the key difference lies in their nylon bottom housing. The Milk Blue's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing offers a similar quality in terms of sound profile, creating a duller and rounder sound due to the material's absorption properties.
While both switches have similar polycarbonate top housing properties, the distinct nylon bottom housing of each switch differentiates their sound profiles. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials determine the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, showcasing the depth and resonance of the nylon material. Conversely, the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, highlighting the sharpness and clarity provided by the polycarbonate material.
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound due to their polycarbonate top housing, the nylon bottom housing brings a distinct quality to each switch. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile with the Milk Blue or a duller and rounder sound with the Silent Red, understanding the impact of each housing material is crucial in selecting the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Blue is unknown while the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch in comparison. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Red due to its lower actuation force, making it easier to type for longer periods of time. On the other hand, the Milk Blue may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer unique weight characteristics that cater to different preferences, providing users with options based on their typing style and personal preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the TTC Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Blue offering a slightly deeper press compared to the Silent Red. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Milk Blue. Ultimately, the choice between shorter and longer travel distances will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its satisfying clicky sound with a tactile bump, perfect for those who enjoy the audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is recognized for its muted sound profile, making it ideal for environments where noise is a concern such as offices or shared spaces. The Silent Red switch offers a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom. Sound perception can vary based on factors like the keyboard build and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Blue switch provides a tactile and clicky typing experience, with a pronounced feedback and response. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth, seamless keystroke experience from start to finish. The Silent Red offers a gentle typing sensation with a padded bottom-out feel, ensuring maximum comfort during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the polished finish of the Silent Red switch reduces friction and allows for fluid key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Considering the information provided, it is evident that the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and TTC Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Blue switch delivers a satisfying clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Silent Red switch provides a quieter, smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a clicky switch with tactile feedback, the Milk Blue is a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Silent Red switch would be the preferable choice. Both switches offer quality performance, so you can expect similar results in terms of durability and reliability.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and needs. If you prioritize a clicky and tactile typing experience with no bottom-out force, then the Milk Blue switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a quiet and smooth typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Silent Red switch would be a better fit, especially for office or shared living space use. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it's important to test them out and see which one feels right for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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