Outemu Milk Blue vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Dareu Snow offer unique experiences for users. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch that provides a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Snow switch is a linear switch that offers a smoother typing experience with a deeper sound signature. While the Milk Blue is best known for its clickiness, the Snow switch stands out with its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem. This results in a thocky, neutral, low-pitched, and bouncy typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky switch for precise feedback, the Milk Blue may be the right choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Dareu Snow switch might be more suitable. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Dareu Snow, it's evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound profile. This material also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. On the other hand, the Snow opts for a POK top housing, which boasts exceptional durability and a smooth feel. While both materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing prioritizes sound while the Snow's POK top housing focuses on durability and smoothness.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Milk Blue and the Snow utilize nylon. This classic switch housing material is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, it's interesting to note that both switches opt for nylon for this component, showcasing a preference for its sound-absorbing properties.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Dareu Snow play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, they differ in their top housing materials. The Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing prioritizes a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Snow's POK top housing emphasizes durability and smoothness. By leveraging the unique qualities of these materials, both switches offer a distinctive typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch is the same at 50 grams, ensuring a consistent typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Milk Blue has an unknown value, while the Snow requires 60 grams of force to fully press the key. This means that the Snow switch is heavier to press all the way down compared to the Milk Blue. The difference in bottom out force could result in a slightly different typing feel between the two switches. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Milk Blue might be the better option for longer typing sessions, while the Snow switch could be more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Comparing the two, we can see that the Milk Blue has a longer travel distance compared to the Snow switch. The longer travel distance of the Milk Blue may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. On the other hand, the Snow switch with its shorter travel distance may be more appealing to gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you value a longer, more pronounced keypress or a shorter, quicker response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its high-pitched and crisp click sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is recognized for its deeper and more thocky sound, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in its construction. The Snow switch offers a rich and mellow tone that adds a level of depth to the typing experience, creating a more subdued but still highly satisfying sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Blue and Snow switches in terms of sound will depend on personal preference and the overall build of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Blue is known for providing tactile feedback with a slight bump upon actuation, offering a tactile typing experience that many users enjoy. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation that gives the keys a lively feel. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Milk Blue emphasizing the tactile bump and the Snow focusing on a bouncier feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a bouncy sensation, you can choose between the Milk Blue and Snow switches to suit your typing style.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue and Dareu Snow switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Milk Blue excels in providing a high-pitched click sound and tactile feedback, while the Snow stands out with its deeper thocky sound and bouncy feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are excellent choices in their respective categories, and whichever you choose, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
Overall, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with no bottom out force, the Milk Blue switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a deeper sound profile, the Snow switch would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a bouncy feel when typing, the Snow switch would also be a better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for.