Outemu Milk Blue vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4T offer distinct typing experiences to cater to different preferences. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch, providing a satisfying audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the U4T is a tactile switch, offering a unique blend of thockiness and sharp tactility that results in a bassy 'thock' sound profile and an assertive tactile feedback. While the Milk Blue is ideal for those who enjoy the clicky sound and feel, the U4T is perfect for users seeking a more tactile and satisfying 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4T both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing. The polycarbonate material's stiffness leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing provides a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, creating a different typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Milk Blue incorporates a nylon bottom housing known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the U4T's Gazzew blend bottom housing. This proprietary plastic blend also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness, offering users a unique typing experience. While both switches have different bottom housing materials, they both aim to enhance the overall sound and feel of the switch during typing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4T play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles and typing experiences of these switches. While the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, the U4T's Gazzew blend top housing offers a richer and deeper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Blue creates a fuller sound, while the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4T adds to its unique sound profile. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, one noticeable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the U4T's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the U4T has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Milk Blue's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Milk Blue is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the U4T is heavier when it comes to bottoming out. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Milk Blue for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the U4T for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing style and preference.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance contributes to the overall typing experience provided by these switches, as users can expect consistent feedback and keypress feel regardless of which switch they choose to use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Blue comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50.
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 distinctive clicky sound with a moderate pitch and satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a bassy 'thock' sound profile that is deeper and richer, paired with a sharp tactile feedback. While the Milk Blue provides a classic clicky typing experience, the U4T delivers a more profound and satisfying auditory experience with every keystroke.
Moving on to the feel, the Milk Blue switch does not have a specific tactile description provided, but it is known for its tactile bump and responsiveness. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is described as offering a sharp tactile bump that is intense and distinct with every keypress. This intense feedback from the U4T switch can provide a more pronounced tactile typing experience compared to the Milk Blue.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Blue provides a classic clicky sound and tactile feel, the U4T offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a sharper tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but the U4T may appeal more to those seeking a bassier sound and stronger tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a loud and clicky typing experience with no bottom out force, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a bassy 'thock' sound profile and sharp tactility, then the Gazzew U4T switches would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound, and feel. Consider these factors carefully before making your choice to ensure that you find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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