Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX SU

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX SU presents distinct advantages and experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, offers a tactile bump and an audible click with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback and a rhythmical typing experience, perfect for typists who appreciate auditory cues. In contrast, the HMX SU is a linear switch characterized by a smooth keystroke without any tactile noise or feedback, popular among gamers for its quick actuation and silent operation, allowing for rapid key presses without distraction. While the Milk Blue caters to users who favor a classic typing feel, the HMX SU appeals to those who prioritize speed and stealth. 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

HMX SU Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX SU, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings, while a similarity is found in their bottom housings. The Milk Blue utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, known for its stiffer structure that enhances sound clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as its translucency allows light to diffuse beautifully, enhancing the aesthetic aspect of a keyboard. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound waves, producing a more muted, rounded auditory experience compared to the Milk Blue's more vibrant sound.

Both the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX SU boast nylon bottom housings, which share similar characteristics. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to creating a rich and deep bottom-out sound, enhancing the typing experience with its ability to absorb noise better than harder plastics. This shared bottom housing material means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, users can expect a solid and satisfying acoustic experience when bottoming out the switches. The deeper sound profile provided by the nylon is retained in both switches, allowing for a familiar auditory feedback when engaged.

Ultimately, the combination of differing top housings and similar bottom housings in the Outemu Milk Blue and HMX SU indicates that while they may produce varied auditory experiences during actuation and release, both maintain a unified depth in sound produced by the nylon bottoms. The Milk Blue will generate a brighter and more resounding register when the key is released due to its polycarbonate top, while the SU will provide a more subdued auditory experience that remains consistent and full-bodied. This relationship between the materials showcases how the unique qualities of each housing influence the overall sound profile and response, allowing users to experience distinct yet complementary characteristics across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force, which significantly influences the typing experience. The Milk Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the HMX SU has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that the HMX SU switch may be more comfortable for prolonged use, appealing to those who favor lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of the bottom out force, the Milk Blue’s value is unavailable, but the HMX SU has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which aligns with its actuation force, suggesting that users will experience a consistent resistance throughout their keystroke. Overall, the Milk Blue switch is heavier at the actuation stage, while the HMX SU offers a lighter feel, making it a better choice for users looking for a more manageable typing experience over long durations.

Travel distance

The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may significantly impact user experience. The Milk Blue, with its longer 4 mm distance, provides a traditional feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the HMX SU, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to gamers or those seeking quicker response times due to the shallower press. If you prefer a more pronounced depth and feedback in your keystrokes, the Milk Blue would be the optimal choice; however, if you favor rapid key presses with a less abrupt feel, the SU may suit you better. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches highlights a balance between tactile response and speed in typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its distinct auditory feedback, typically characterized by a sharp and pronounced click, ideal for those who enjoy an audible confirmation with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing for typists and gamers alike who appreciate the tactile response while typing. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch is noted for its relatively deep sound profile, which is subtler, providing a quieter typing experience without the clicky feedback. With the SU, the sound can be categorized as smooth and muted, making it suitable for users who prefer a more discreet operation without the additional noise.

When it comes to feel, the Milk Blue switches offer a tactile bump followed by a resistance before reaching the actuation point, which provides an engaging and enjoyable typing experience. This tactile feedback makes each keystroke feel more deliberate and satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch features a smooth, uninterrupted travel without the tactile bump. This offers a different kind of satisfaction, catering to users who prefer the fluid, consistent feel of a linear switch, allowing for rapid consecutive key presses without any tactile interruptions.

In summary, while the Outemu Milk Blue offers a pronounced clicky sound and tactile feedback that can enhance typing pleasure for some, the HMX SU linear switch provides a deeper, subtler sound with a smoother keystroke. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on your preferences for acoustic feedback and the physical sensation you desire while typing. The Milk Blue is great for those who favor an audible and tactile typing experience, whereas the HMX SU appeals to those who prefer the softness and quiet of linear switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your typing habits and preferences. If you enjoy a tactile experience and are fond of the classic "clicky" feedback that accompanies each keystroke, the Milk Blue switch will likely be a good fit for you. This type of switch is ideal for typists who appreciate auditory cues while typing, which can enhance the overall experience. However, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience without the distraction of noise, the HMX SU linear switch is the way to go. With its light 50-gram actuation force, the SU allows for effortless keystrokes, making it perfect for gaming or extended typing sessions where speed and fluidity are essential. In terms of sound, the Milk Blue is typically noisy and punchy, while the SU offers a subtle and deeper acoustic profile that is more subdued. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for both sound and feel, ensuring that you select the switch that best complements your typing style and enhances your overall keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more