Outemu Milk Blue vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Blue and Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Milk Blue is celebrated for its clicky feedback, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile response that many typists and gamers find invigorating. Its pronounced clicks can enhance the typing experience, making it a great option for those who enjoy audible cues as they type. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches are recognized for their subtle to moderate tactile feedback, delivering a balanced sound profile and a more understated yet responsive feel. These switches appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile enjoyment. Each switch has its own strengths: the Milk Blue is perfect for those craving a loud, energetic typing session, while the Weightlessness strikes a balance between sound and feel for those who favor a more subdued approach. 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Blue and Gateron Weightlessness switches present an interesting juxtaposition in their materials, particularly in their top housings. The Milk Blue switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This quality makes the sound crisper, enhancing the overall auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is employed, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch features a nylon top housing that produces a fuller and deeper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound that is more rounded and less piercing. This fundamental difference in materials significantly influences the auditory feedback of each switch, making them suitable for different user preferences regarding sound clarity and depth.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the Milk Blue and Weightlessness switches utilize nylon. This consistency means that when typing, users of both switches will experience a similar tactile feel and sound profile stemming from the nylon material. While both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound from the bottom housing, the overall auditory experience will still differ when considering their top housings. Herein lies the importance of the top housing in defining the character of the switch: the Milk Blue’s polycarbonate will create a clearer sound when releasing the key, while the Weightlessness will maintain its distinctly softer, rounder characteristic throughout the keypress.
In summary, the contrast in top housing materials between the Outemu Milk Blue and Gateron Weightlessness switches leads to varied auditory experiences, with the former promoting clarity and the latter producing depth. However, both switches maintain a consistent bottom housing material of nylon, which ensures that the lower portion of the sound profile remains similar across both models. As a result, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound unique to the nylon bottom while enjoying the distinct characteristics imparted by the different top housing materials, showcasing how even subtle material differences play a pivotal role in the overall performance and feel of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that users will experience the same level of effort when triggering a keystroke with either switch. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, making it challenging to assess the difference in feedback when the keys are fully pressed down. As both switches have an identical actuation force, they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how hard you need to press to initiate a key press. Consequently, users who appreciate lighter switches will find both options equally suitable, while those preferring a heavier feel may need to consider alternative switches. Overall, with comparable actuation forces, the choice between the two may ultimately come down to individual preference for the tactile or clicky feedback each type provides.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch differ significantly in their travel distances, with the Milk Blue switch boasting a travel distance of 4 mm and the Weightlessness switch measuring 3.4 mm. This makes the Milk Blue the longer option, which may provide a more substantial tactile feedback for users who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times and a more abrupt actuation. While the Milk Blue may be better suited for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their key presses, the Weightlessness appeals to users who appreciate a more responsive feel. Thus, the choice between the two switches largely depends on personal preference for travel distance and the intended use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a distinct auditory profile that is typically characterized by a pronounced click sound, which can be quite satisfying for typists seeking acoustic feedback. This clicking noise serves not only to validate keystrokes but also enhances the typing experience for users who enjoy an audible confirmation. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is designed with a subtle to moderate tactile feel and an equally balanced sound profile, providing a more subdued experience compared to the Milk Blue. This makes the Weightlessness a great option for those who prefer a quieter environment while still benefiting from some level of auditory feedback.
When it comes to tactile sensation, the Milk Blue switch isn’t explicitly defined in terms of feel, leaving its exact tactile characteristics somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness boasts a noticeable tactile bump that is described as subtle to moderate, giving users a comfortable sense of engagement without being overwhelming. This allows for a typing experience that feels responsive and precise, ideal for prolonged use without leading to fatigue.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch provides a more pronounced auditory experience, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch emphasizes a balanced sound with a subtle tactile feedback. If you appreciate clearer, more impactful clicks, the Milk Blue may suit your needs. Alternatively, if a quieter typing experience with a gentle tactile feel is your preference, the Weightlessness is an outstanding choice. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring users can find the right match for their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a loud, pronounced click sound and a more tactile response that provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke, then the Outemu Milk Blue is the way to go, especially for typing enthusiasts or gamers seeking an engaging experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound with a balanced tactile feedback that is suitable for both typing and general use without being overly noisy, the Gateron Weightlessness is an excellent choice. This makes it ideal for office environments or shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is appreciated. Consider also your comfort level with tactile feedback; if you want a switch that gives you a noticeable push without being harsh, the Weightlessness provides a gentle tactile response that can enhance your typing experience without overwhelming you. Overall, your choice should reflect your usage style, whether you’re looking for a vibrant typing sound or a mellow, tactile feel.
Mentioned in this article
