Outemu Milk Blue vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Yunhai are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Milk Blue, known for its clicky sound profile, provides tactile feedback that many typists enjoy for its satisfying auditory and physical response, making it appealing for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai stands out with its linear design, characterized by a smooth keystroke with a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force. This combination lends itself well to a gentle, effortless feel that is ideal for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience and value speed over notable feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Yunhai switches, a stark contrast emerges in their upper housing compositions. The Milk Blue utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This durability and stiffness contribute to clearer audio resonance, making the switch notably more responsive when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Yunhai features a nylon top housing, a classic material revered for its softer properties. This characteristic leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs sound waves, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. Consequently, while the Milk Blue excels in clarity and brightness, the Yunhai encapsulates warmth and depth, appealing to different auditory preferences.
Interestingly, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This congruence in material results in a deeper and more rounded sound profile for both switches when typing. Since both the Milk Blue and Yunhai use nylon for their bottom housings, this similarity enhances the low-end characteristics of the switches, providing a rich and thuddy typing experience. The nylon’s softer nature contributes to a dampened bottom-out sound, irrespective of the differences above, unifying their performances in this aspect. The tactile feedback and feel during keystrokes remain consistent, highlighting the compatibility of the bottom housing in shaping user experience.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of each switch's top and bottom housing create a unique interplay in sound and feel. While the Milk Blue's polycarbonate top lends itself to a brighter sound when keys are released, the Yunhai's nylon top contributes to a fuller auditory experience. Yet, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying bottom-out sound, underscoring that the composite nature of their housing materials plays a crucial role in user satisfaction. This contrasts in top housings serves different preferences, while the unified bottom housing brings a shared sensory experience, showcasing how various combinations of materials can produce diverse yet complementary results in switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences that may influence user preference. The Milk Blue switch has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Yunhai switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, making the Yunhai easier to press and potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, whereas the Yunhai’s bottom out force is 50 grams, indicating that it requires a stronger push to fully depress the key. As a result, typists looking for a lighter switching experience might prefer the TTC Yunhai, while those who appreciate a heavier push feel might lean towards the Milk Blue, though they will miss out on detailed information regarding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it becomes clear that these switches cater to different user preferences. The Outemu Milk Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional option that provides a more pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker responses and a more rapid actuation, often desired by gamers. As a result, for users who appreciate a deeper and more deliberate press, the Outemu Milk Blue would be the better choice, while those seeking speed and efficiency might prefer the TTC Yunhai due to its shorter travel distance. Thus, the Milk Blue is the longer option, granting a more substantial feel, while the Yunhai is the shorter one, ideal for swift actions.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 sound, the Outemu Milk Blue switches have a distinctive auditory profile that is characterized by a pronounced click, making each keystroke audibly satisfying and reminiscent of traditional typewriters. This clicky quality tends to provide clear acoustic feedback, which many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches provide a deeper, rounded sound profile that is less intrusive. The sound produced by the Yunhai switches is more subdued and refined, creating a gentle auditory backdrop that can be soothing for long typing sessions. Both switches' sound characteristics will be influenced by your keyboard's construction and the keycap material, so the experience can vary.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Blue switches exhibit a tactile sensation that pairs well with their clicky sound, creating a dynamic typing experience that is both engaging and responsive. The tactile bump is pronounced, giving users clear feedback when a key is actuated, which can enhance typing precision and confidence. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switches offer an incredibly light actuation force that makes them feel effortless to press. This results in a smooth, linear typing experience that flows continuously without the tactile feedback that typists might expect from clicky switches. Both switch types cater to different preferences, with the Milk Blue appealing to those who enjoy tactile and auditory feedback, while the Yunhai is ideal for those who prefer a gentler, more streamlined feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue and TTC Yunhai switches offer noticeably different experiences. The Milk Blue's defined clicky sound and tactile feedback cater to typists who appreciate pronounced auditory and tactile cues. In contrast, the Yunhai's deep, rounded sound and light actuation force present a more subdued and effortless experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you may find one switch more appealing than the other, making the choice informed by the qualities that matter most to your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch will primarily depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky feedback while typing, the Milk Blue might be the more appealing option for you, especially if you thrive on the auditory satisfaction that clicky switches provide; however, since specific details about its feel and sound profile were not provided, you would want to ensure it aligns with your expectations in those areas. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the TTC Yunhai, with its lighter actuation force and unique deep sound profile, stands out as an excellent choice. These switches are particularly suited for those who enjoy a quieter yet satisfying keystroke without the resistance commonly found in clicky switches. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, whether you favor auditory feedback and tactile sensation or a smoother, linear experience that allows for extended typing sessions with minimal fatigue.
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