Outemu Milk Blue vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch, and the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch. The Milk Blue is known for its loud and satisfying click sound when pressed, making it a favorite among those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Violet switches are recognized for their gentle tactile feedback, providing a smooth actuation and a pleasant bump in each keystroke. While the Milk Blue offers a more pronounced click, the Violet switches provide a more subtle and satisfying tactile 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Jerrzi Violet, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiffer plastic that produces clear and resonant sounds. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the keyboard. Despite being different switches, the similarity in their polycarbonate top housing ensures that users can expect comparable sound and aesthetic qualities from both the Milk Blue and the Violet.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Outemu Milk Blue features a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, providing a unique typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of the Milk Blue in terms of sound depth and fullness. With both switches sharing this characteristic, users can expect a consistent typing experience that prioritizes sound quality and tactile feedback.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Milk Blue and the Violet demonstrates a thoughtful balance between crisp sound clarity and deep sound depth. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. By leveraging the unique qualities of each material, both switches offer a harmonious blend of tactile feedback and audio aesthetics, catering to the preferences of users seeking a distinct typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to compare the total force required for a key press. However, based on the actuation force alone, the Milk Blue switch would provide a slightly heavier typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Violet switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing feel, with the Milk Blue offering a heavier touch and the Violet providing a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Milk Blue has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Violet. The Milk Blue's 4 mm travel distance falls within the traditional range, offering a balance between responsiveness and depth. On the other hand, the Violet's 3.7 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker response. Both switches provide a tactile experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact the overall feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 the sound of the switches, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for a sharp and clicky sound that is satisfying to many typists. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch boasts a more neutral sound profile, offering a quieter typing experience that may be preferred in shared spaces or by those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, while the Jerrzi Violet switch is described as having a stepped feel. This means that the Violet switch offers a tactile sensation with two distinct stages, providing users with a more nuanced typing experience compared to the potentially more uniform feel of the Milk Blue switch.
Overall, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Milk Blue switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a louder, more pronounced clicky sound, the Violet switch is ideal for users looking for a quieter typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback. Ultimately, the best choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a clicky switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a louder sound profile, the Milk Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more gentle tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Violet switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
