Outemu Milk Blue vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Outemu Milk Blue switch, renowned for its pronounced clicky feedback, delivers an auditory and tactile experience that many typists crave, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy clear acoustic cues and a satisfying typing rhythm. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a unique combination of deep "thock" at the bottom and subtle acoustics at the top, providing a refined sound profile along with a pronounced tactile bump. This makes it favored by users who seek a quiet yet engaging typing experience, perfect for both work and gaming. While the Milk Blue emphasizes an upbeat and lively interaction, the U4Tx RGB leans towards a more sophisticated and plush feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
3.60 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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, it’s clear that the two switches utilize different types of plastics, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This trait allows for a more resonant acoustic output, making polycarbonate an excellent choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB employs a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which is softer and contributes to a rich and deep sound profile. This fundamental difference in material impacts how each switch responds when the keys are pressed and released.
The bottom housings of both switches showcase a different yet intriguingly similar narrative, as they also utilize proprietary blends that emphasize softness. The Milk Blue utilizes a nylon bottom housing, traditionally respected in the mechanical switch community for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This deeper acoustic response is attributed to nylon’s ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Comparable to this, the U4Tx RGB's bottom housing, composed of the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its top, also contributes to a rich and deep sound experience. Here, both switches employ softer materials which allow for a rounded acoustic output, reflecting an emphasis on producing a warm and satisfying typing experience.
When analyzed as a complete unit, the differences in the top housings of the Milk Blue and U4Tx RGB appear to complement the similarities found in their bottom housings. Through this combination, a user can achieve an engaging typing experience regardless of the switch selected. While the Milk Blue’s polycarbonate top may accentuate higher-pitched sounds and tactile feedback during key release, the U4Tx RGB's top provides a deeper resonance. The nylon bottom of the Milk Blue pairs with the proprietary Gazzew blend bottom of the U4Tx RGB to ensure that the tactile response upon key actuation remains satisfying and plush. Thus, while the switches exhibit individual characteristics, their blend of materials—both unique and similar—creates a harmonious typing experience that can cater to different auditory preferences while providing consistent performance.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, significant differences emerge regarding actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Milk Blue switch boasts an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a relatively lighter option, which can be beneficial for users looking for a more comfortable typing experience during extended use. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unavailable, leaving a gap in complete understanding of its performance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch has its bottom out force pegged at 65 grams, which categorizes it as a medium-heavy switch, suggesting a more substantial feel when typing and potentially better feedback for those who prefer a firmer actuation. The actuation force for the U4Tx RGB, however, is unknown. Overall, users seeking a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Outemu Milk Blue, while those desiring a stronger push may find the Gazzew U4Tx RGB more appealing once its actuation force is known.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the Milk Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx RGB has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Milk Blue switch offers a more substantial key press, appealing to those who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who favor quicker response times, making it particularly attractive for gaming enthusiasts who benefit from rapid key actuations. Therefore, for users seeking a more pronounced feedback and depth, the Outemu Milk Blue would be the better option, while those prioritizing speed and responsiveness may prefer the Gazzew U4Tx RGB.
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 RGB 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
The Outemu Milk Blue switch has a distinctive auditory character that may not be as prominently noted, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is revered for its refined sound profile, which combines a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a quieter “thock” coming from its unique topping out behavior. This presents a striking contrast where the Milk Blue may not stand out in sound but allows the U4Tx RGB to shine with its luxurious auditory experience. It’s important to remember that acoustics can vary significantly depending on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, but the Gazzew U4Tx certainly caters to those looking for a more sophisticated sound environment.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switch's characteristics are less defined, making it difficult to assess its tactile and linear responsiveness. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is characterized by a pronounced tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, providing a sharp feedback that many users appreciate. The tactile nature of the U4Tx ensures that typists can enjoy a rewarding feedback loop, making it more engaging for prolonged use. While the Milk Blue lacks a clear description in terms of feel, the U4Tx RGB’s well-engineered tactile profile promises a more defined and luxurious sensation.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Milk Blue switch might not excel in sound and feel according to available descriptions, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a sophisticated auditory profile and a highly tactile experience that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts would favor. Users seeking a well-rounded and rewarding typing experience will likely gravitate toward the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, while those with a preference for a more neutral auditory experience may find the Milk Blue acceptable depending on their overall setup and typing habits. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you favor a distinct, clicky feedback that provides an audible confirmation with each keypress, then the Outemu Milk Blue could be the right choice for you, particularly if you enjoy a more traditional typing experience reminiscent of older keyboards. However, be mindful of the unknown force required for bottoming out, which may affect your overall typing fatigue over long sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more modern typing experience that combines a satisfying tactile feel with a refined sound profile, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would be ideal. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams is perfect for those who prefer a bit more resistance when typing, while its “thock” sound offers a luxurious rhythmic feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, choose the Milk Blue for a louder, clicky experience or the U4Tx RGB for a quieter, more elegant performance, and you'll find yourself more satisfied with your mechanical keyboard setup.