Outemu Milk Blue vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinct typing experiences. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch with a sharp and audible tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy the satisfying sound of each key press. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch known for its deep and thocky sound profile, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke experience. While the Milk Blue is best suited for users who prioritize auditory feedback and precise typing, the Tourmaline Blue is ideal for those seeking a buttery and easy-to-press typing experience. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Blue and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a clear and resonant sound to be produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. However, the Milk Blue utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing material between the Milk Blue and Tourmaline Blue results in varying sound profiles when typing. The nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue provides a different typing experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue. The bottom housing material has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key, showcasing the distinct qualities of each housing material in the switches.
In conclusion, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. Both the Outemu Milk Blue and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches showcase the differences between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, highlighting the impact on sound quality and typing feel. While both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound profile with their polycarbonate top housing, the difference in bottom housing material gives each switch its own unique sound signature and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with 59 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Blue's force is unknown while the Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Blue switch, as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing may opt for the Tourmaline Blue switch due to its heavier actuation force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences and can cater to different preferences depending on the user's desired level of force when typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, the tactile feedback and typing experience provided by both switches will be very similar, as they both offer the same level of key travel. Overall, whether you choose the Milk Blue or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 switch is known for its crisp and clicky sound, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a more immersive typing experience. While the Milk Blue switch offers a traditional clicky sound, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a unique and more substantial sound experience that may appeal to users looking for a different auditory sensation.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Blue switch is noted for its tactile bump and clicky feedback, giving users a tactile feel with each key press. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as having a buttery and easy-to-press feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing sensation. The Tourmaline Blue switch's mild characteristics make it comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the Milk Blue switch provides a more pronounced tactile experience. Depending on personal preference, users may favor the gentle and low-impact feel of the Tourmaline Blue switch or the more defined tactile feedback of the Milk Blue switch.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. Users looking for a traditional clicky switch with a crisp sound and tactile feedback may prefer the Milk Blue switch, while those seeking a deeper sound profile and smoother typing experience may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue switch. Both switches provide unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience, and users can expect reliable performance and satisfying feedback from either switch option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clicky and tactile typing experience with a light actuation force, the Milk Blue might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Tourmaline Blue could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel. Whichever switch you choose, both the Outemu Milk Blue and Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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