Outemu Milk Blue vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Aflion Thunder Shadow offer unique experiences for users seeking different typing sensations. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying auditory click with each keypress, ideal for those who enjoy the audible feedback. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow is a tactile switch, offering a pronounced tactile bump without the loud noise, perfect for users who prefer a more subtle typing experience. While the Milk Blue is best known for its clicky feedback and the Thunder Shadow for its tactile bump, both switches have their own strengths and appeal 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
N/A
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
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Outemu Milk Blue and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate adds to the aesthetic appeal of the switches, enhancing the overall look and feel.
In terms of bottom housing material, both switches use nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience when typing on these switches. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, making nylon an essential component for achieving a specific typing experience.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the distribution of these materials between the top and bottom housings can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two parts of the switch, influencing the sound profile when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch is essential for selecting the right switch for your typing preferences.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Thunder Shadow has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Milk Blue is not specified. This means that the Milk Blue will require less force to type but may not provide as much resistance for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Thunder Shadow will offer a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own advantages based on personal preferences, with the Milk Blue being lighter and the Thunder Shadow being heavier, providing users with different options depending on their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Thunder Shadow has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Blue. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, but if you prefer a quicker and more responsive keystroke, the Thunder Shadow may be the better option for you. However, if you enjoy a bit more depth in your keystrokes, the Milk Blue with its slightly longer travel distance could be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
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 has a reputation for being on the louder side, with a satisfying click that can be quite audible in a work or shared environment. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is known for its neutral sound signature, striking a balance that is suitable for various settings without being overly distracting. Sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used, so it is important to consider these factors when choosing a switch based on sound preference.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch is known for its tactile feedback and audible click, providing a pronounced typing experience that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offers a tactile bump that is more subtle compared to the Milk Blue, but still provides a medium weight feel with a 63.5g bottom-out force. This balance between tactile feedback and actuation force creates an invigorating typing sensation that is responsive and enjoyable for users looking for a tactile switch without being too heavy.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Blue switch leans towards a louder click and more pronounced tactile feedback, the Thunder Shadow switch provides a more balanced sound profile and a medium weight feel with a subtle tactile bump. Depending on personal preference and typing experience desired, both switches offer quality options for users seeking a clicky or tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on individual preferences and the specific setup in which the switches will be used.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch or the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you value a light actuation force and a clicky sound profile, the Milk Blue might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium weight feel with a pronounced tactile bump and a balanced sound signature, the Thunder Shadow could be the better option for you. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider what you prioritize in a switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Blue and Thunder Shadow switches will depend on what feels best for you and enhances your typing experience.
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