Outemu Milk Blue vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch known for its satisfying auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typewriter-like typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx is a tactile switch that marries the best of both worlds by providing a refined sound profile and a sharp, satisfying tactile bump with each press. While the Milk Blue offers a more pronounced click sound, the U4Tx provides a deeper, bassier "thock" when bottoming out. 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx, we can see that they both offer unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the Milk Blue's top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary plastic blend delivers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Both materials offer distinct advantages, with polycarbonate providing a more resonant sound and the Gazzew blend offering a deeper tone.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Milk Blue's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic absorbing more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. Similarly, the Gazzew U4Tx's proprietary blend bottom housing also delivers a rich and deep sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with its softness. Both materials contribute to a more satisfying typing experience, with nylon offering a duller sound and the Gazzew blend providing a deeper tone.
Overall, while the Milk Blue and U4Tx switches use different housing materials, both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Milk Blue emphasizes a sharp and resonant sound, while the Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep tone. Similarly, the nylon and proprietary blend bottom housings of the two switches contribute to a fuller sound profile, with nylon offering a duller tone and the Gazzew blend providing a softer, more absorbing sound. In both cases, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience and sound of the switches.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes without exerting too much pressure. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch does not specify an actuation force, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. For those who prefer a lighter weight for longer typing sessions, the Milk Blue switch would be the better option. However, for individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and don't mind a heavier bottom out force, the U4Tx switch would be more suitable. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offers users a choice between a lighter and heavier typing experience based on their preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the U4Tx has the shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Blue. The shorter travel distance of the U4Tx may appeal to those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Blue's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing experience.
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 U4Tx 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 loud and clicky sound profile, making each keypress audible and satisfying. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a unique blend of deep, bassy bottoming out sound and muted topping out sound, providing a more refined and acoustically pleasing typing experience. Depending on your preference for a louder or more subdued sound, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that can enhance your typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Blue switch provides a tactile bump with a clicky response, giving a tactile and audible feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch is characterized by a sharp tactile bump, offering a highly pronounced and crisp tactile feedback that can be felt distinctly with every keystroke. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a softer click, both switches deliver tactile sensations that can elevate your typing experience.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Blue switch provides a loud and clicky sound with tactile feedback, while the U4Tx switch offers a more refined sound profile with a sharp and distinct tactile bump. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer quality typing experiences that can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx switch will depend on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a clicky and lighter switch without a noticeable tactile bump, the Milk Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-bottom out force with a sharp and pronounced tactile bump coupled with a refined sound profile, the U4Tx would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more audible and responsive typing experience or a smoother, more refined sound and feel.
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