Outemu Milk Tea vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Purple. The Milk Tea switch is best known for its smooth tactile feedback and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple switch is also tactile but offers a slightly more pronounced tactile bump for enhanced feedback. While both switches fall under the tactile category, the Milk Tea may be preferred for those who prefer a smoother typing experience, while the Purple switch might appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Purple switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature, while the Purple's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials result in clear and resonant sound profiles, the Milk Tea's Ly housing may provide a slightly softer and deeper sound compared to the Purple's polycarbonate housing due to the differences in stiffness between the two materials. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects, adding an extra aesthetic dimension to the typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Milk Tea and Purple switches feature nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the overall sound and feel of each switch may still vary due to the different top housing materials used. However, this shared characteristic of nylon bottom housing ensures that both the Milk Tea and Purple switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile.
When comparing the overall feel and sound of the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Purple switches, it is important to consider how the combination of top and bottom housing materials influences the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. While the Milk Tea and Purple switches may offer similar results in terms of typing sound and feel due to the shared nylon bottom housing material, the differences in their top housing materials, Ly and polycarbonate, contribute to their unique sound profiles, making each switch a distinct choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch's actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch may feel easier to type on for longer periods of time, making it a good choice for work or extended gaming sessions. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the information is unavailable for both switches. The actuation force of the Milk Tea switch is slightly lighter than the Purple switch, so users looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Purple switch for its slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the difference in actuation force between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Milk Tea feeling lighter and the Purple feeling slightly heavier.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Purple tactile switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users can expect consistent typing experiences in terms of key travel. Whether you choose the Outemu Milk Tea or Outemu Purple tactile switch, you can rely on a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance.
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 Purple.
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 Tea tactile switch is known for being quieter compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch. The Milk Tea switch has a softer, more subdued sound when typing, which can be attributed to its design and materials used. On the other hand, the Purple switch has a slightly louder and crisper sound due to its construction. However, it's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other variables such as the keyboard case and keycap material being used.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is often described as having a smoother and more cushioned tactile bump compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch. Typing on the Milk Tea switch can feel more satisfying and comfortable due to its unique tactile feedback. In contrast, the Purple switch provides a more pronounced and sharp tactile bump, giving a more distinct keystroke feel. The difference in feel between these two switches can greatly impact a user's typing experience and preference.
Overall, while the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Purple tactile switches have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both offer a tactile typing experience. If you enjoy a quieter and softer typing sound with a smoother tactile bump, the Milk Tea switch may be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a louder and more pronounced tactile bump, the Purple switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, trying out both switches on a keyboard with your preferred keycaps and layout will provide the best insight into finding the perfect match for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Purple tactile switches, you should consider the specific qualities that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch that is more renowned for a particular feature, such as smoothness or responsiveness, the Milk Tea may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a different type of feel or sound profile, the Purple switch may be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and personal preferences.
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