Outemu Milk Tea vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Red are two popular options to consider. The Milk Tea is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying tactile bump and audible feedback with each key press, making it ideal for typists who enjoy the feel of a responsive switch. On the other hand, the Red is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, which is favored by gamers for rapid keystrokes and quick response times. While both switches have their own distinct characteristics and benefits, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
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 main difference between the Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Red in terms of housing materials lies in their top housings. The Milk Tea utilizes a Ly top housing, which produces a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Red features a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate makes the Red more likely to be translucent, making it suitable for switches with RGB lighting. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound profile.
On the other hand, both the Milk Tea and the Red share a common ground when it comes to their bottom housings, as they both utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches compared to other housing materials. Its softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a dull yet rounder sound. Despite the similarities in bottom housing material, the overall sound experience of the switches may vary due to the contrasting top housings.
When considering the overall impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a more pronounced influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. By combining different housing materials in a switch, manufacturers can tailor the sound profile to cater to a wider range of user preferences. Ultimately, whether using the Outemu Milk Tea or the Outemu Red, the selection of housing materials plays a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Red linear switch with 46 grams, making the Milk Tea a tad easier to activate. However, the bottom out force of the Red at 62 grams is considerably heavier than the Milk Tea's unspecified bottom out force. This means that while the Milk Tea may feel softer and gentler during key presses, the Red offers a more robust and substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, the Milk Tea would be the ideal choice, while the Red would be more suitable for those seeking a more tactile and forceful keystroke. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice ultimately comes down to individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. In this case, both switches offer a similar feel and feedback to the user, making them equally suitable options for those who prefer a 4mm travel distance. Whether you choose the Milk Tea tactile switch or the Red linear switch, you can be assured of a consistent key press experience.
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 Red.
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 often said to have a softer, more muted sound compared to the Outemu Red linear switch, which is known for a slightly crisper and more pronounced sound when typing. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is known for its tactile bump that provides feedback to the user, resulting in a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a tactile response. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch is praised for its smooth and consistent keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists who prefer a linear feel without any tactile bump.
Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a softer, more muted sound and a tactile bump for feedback, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a crisper sound and a smooth linear feel, the Outemu Red linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, it is important to consider your own preferences in sound and feel when choosing between these two switches as they will both provide a reliable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force, the Milk Tea would be the better option. However, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Red switch would be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the sound and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns more with your typing preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the Milk Tea and Red switches will depend on your individual typing style and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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