Outemu Milk Blue vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu offer unique typing experiences. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch, best known for its distinctive sound and tactile feedback. It falls under the category of clicky switches, which are favored by those who enjoy a more pronounced clicking noise while typing. On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch that is perfect for users seeking a smooth and silent typing experience. Known for its delicate touch and subtle sound profile, the Yanyu is ideal for those who type for extended periods of time. 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
43g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu, there are clear differences in the top housing materials. The Milk Blue uses polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend that offers a pleasant, brighter sound profile that is not particularly sharp. While both materials are unique in their own way, the polycarbonate of the Milk Blue is more likely to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the Yanyu's blend offers a different, softer sound experience.
On the other hand, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials. The Milk Blue utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Similarly, the Yanyu also uses a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, providing a pleasant sound profile that is a bit on the brighter side. Despite slight differences in material composition, both switches offer a unique tactile experience that contributes to the overall typing feel and sound profile.
Overall, the choice between the Outemu Milk Blue and the SP-Star Yanyu ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The differences in housing materials for these switches result in distinct typing experiences, with the Milk Blue offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the Yanyu provides a softer and brighter sound. Regardless of the differences in materials, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through unique housing compositions that impact sound and feel in their own distinct ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences in terms of force. The Milk Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier for users to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue, while its bottom out force is unknown. On the other hand, the Yanyu has an unknown actuation force but a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Yanyu switch provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Milk Blue. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a more substantial typing experience with a heavier force.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a consistent level of key travel, allowing for a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. However, the mechanism for achieving this travel distance may differ between the two switches. The Milk Blue switch offers a clicky feedback that provides tactile and audible confirmation of key presses, while the Yanyu switch offers a smoother linear feel without any tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer the same travel distance, but with different typing experiences based on their unique characteristics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is best known for its loud clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is best known for its crisp and neutral sound profile, offering a more subtle typing experience suitable for various environments. The Milk Blue switch will give you a distinct and pronounced clicky sound, while the Yanyu switch will provide a more moderate and versatile sound profile that is not as intrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click during actuation, providing a tactile and audible typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is best known for its mild and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and suitable for extended periods of typing. The Milk Blue switch will give you a more tactile and pronounced typing feel, while the Yanyu switch will offer a smoother and lighter typing experience that is comfortable for longer typing sessions.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a loud and clicky sound and a tactile typing experience, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and neutral sound profile with a smooth and polished typing feel, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better option. Both switches offer different qualities that cater to specific preferences, so choosing between them would depend on your personal typing style and preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience but with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it's important to consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky typing experience with no bottom out force and a distinct sound profile, the Milk Blue switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a more delicate typing experience, and a smoother sound profile, the Yanyu switch may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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