Outemu Milk Blue vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, to the HMX Swift, a linear switch, there are notable differences that cater to different preferences. The Milk Blue is known for its distinct clicking sound, providing tactile feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Swift stands out for its smoother and quieter operation, thanks to its full nylon housings and 42g actuation force. While the Milk Blue offers a clacky and bouncy typing experience, the Swift boasts an easy-to-press and creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Swift, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics. However, the Milk Blue stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Outemu Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing offers the benefit of translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Swift's nylon top housing may not have the same visual appeal but provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. While both switches share a similar bottom housing material, the top housing is where they differ significantly in sound characteristics. The Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing will influence the sound when a key is let go, while the Swift's nylon top housing will impact the sound during typing.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and the HMX Swift ultimately depends on personal preference for sound and aesthetics. The Milk Blue with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Swift's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, which may appeal to those who prefer a softer and rounder sound profile. Both switches share the benefits of nylon bottom housings, contributing to a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the HMX Swift linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Blue has no specified value while the Swift has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it heavier in this aspect. The actuation force is crucial for determining the force needed to register a keystroke, with the Milk Blue requiring a heavier press compared to the Swift. On the other hand, the bottom out force indicates the pressure needed to fully press the key, with the Swift requiring more force to bottom out. Consideration of weight is important as a lighter switch can be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, while a heavier switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the Milk Blue and the Swift will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. The difference between the two may seem minimal, but it can have a noticeable impact on the typing or gaming experience. The Milk Blue provides a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying feel when typing. On the other hand, the Swift offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference - whether you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker input or a longer one for a more substantial keypress sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 switch is known for its crisp and clicky noise when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory feedback to the user. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that stands out due to its full nylon housing. While the Milk Blue offers a more traditional clicky sound, the Swift delivers a deeper and more tactile auditory experience that some users may find more pleasing.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch's tactile feedback and actuation force are not specified in the provided information. However, the HMX Swift linear switch is characterized as easy-to-press, feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a light actuation force of 42g that is gentle on the fingers and provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. This blend of light resistance and smooth keystrokes makes the Swift switch a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions, gaming, or work.
In conclusion, both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Milk Blue provides a traditional clicky sound, its feel and actuation force are unspecified. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch stands out for its deeper sound profile and light actuation force, promising a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can achieve satisfying results with either switch, with the Milk Blue offering a reliable clicky option and the Swift providing a more refined and tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider the characteristics that align with your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with none bottom out force, the Milk Blue switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and easy-to-press switch with a light 50g bottom out force, the HMX Swift switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how the switch feels and sounds to you, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
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