Outemu Milk Tea vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Ocean, also a tactile switch. The Milk Tea switch is best known for its smooth tactile bump and quiet operation, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Ocean switch is recognized for its pronounced tactile bump and audible click, offering a more satisfying typing feedback for users who enjoy a tactile and clicky 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Ocean switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Milk Tea features a Ly top housing, which provides a bright and resonant sound when typing. In contrast, the Ocean utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisp sound profile. While both materials offer a clear and resonant sound, the polycarbonate in the Ocean switch produces a higher-pitched sound compared to the Milk Tea's Ly housing. Despite these differences, both switches are designed to provide an enjoyable typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Regarding the bottom housing materials, both the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Ocean switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The similarities in bottom housing materials between the Milk Tea and Ocean switches suggest that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the key differences between the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Ocean switches lie in their top housing materials. The Milk Tea's Ly housing offers a bright and resonant sound, while the Ocean's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The bottom housing materials of both switches, made of nylon, contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite these variations, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as the unique housing materials enhance the overall sound quality and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches do not have information available regarding their bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Tea switch for a more effortless typing experience, while those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Ocean switch. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and comfort level for the user, so choosing the right switch is essential based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them, both switches offer a consistent tactile feedback during key presses due to their identical travel distances. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience regardless of whether they choose the Milk Tea or Ocean switch. The 4mm travel distance allows for a comfortable typing feel while providing enough feedback to ensure accurate keystrokes. Overall, whether you prefer the Milk Tea or the Ocean switch, you can rest assured that your typing experience will be consistent and reliable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Milk Tea and Ocean.
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 Tea tactile switch is known for its soft and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is revered for its crisp and slightly louder click with a satisfying tactile bump, perfect for typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound feedback while typing. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a quieter or more clicky typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is praised for its smooth and linear keystrokes, providing a consistent typing experience without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offers a tactile bump during actuation, providing typists with a more pronounced feedback sensation when typing. The Ocean switch may feel slightly more tactile and responsive compared to the Milk Tea, which can result in a more engaging typing experience for users who enjoy a tactile feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Tea and Ocean tactile switches both offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Milk Tea switch provides a softer, quieter typing experience with a linear feel, while the Ocean switch delivers a louder, more tactile typing experience with a pronounced click. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force, switch characteristics, sound, and feel. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force and are seeking a more pronounced tactile bump for a more tactile typing experience, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch could be the right fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.