Outemu Milk Tea vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Ocean 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, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Silent Ocean, a linear switch. The Milk Tea switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump during key press. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean switch is known for its smooth and quiet linear action, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch is great for those who enjoy the tactile feel of each key press, while the Silent Ocean switch is perfect for those who prioritize a silent typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Ocean both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. While the Milk Tea features a Ly top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Silent Ocean boasts a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The Ly top housing of the Milk Tea provides a bright and resonant sound signature, offering clacks that are crisp and distinct. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Ocean creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and translucency that enhances RGB lighting effects.
Despite the difference in their top housings, both the Milk Tea and Silent Ocean share a nylon bottom housing material. Nylon is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. With the bottom housing material being the same for both switches, the user can expect a similar typing feel and sound profile when pressing down on the keys.
In terms of impact on key presses, the qualities of the bottom housing will play a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. The softness of the nylon bottom housing in both the Milk Tea and Silent Ocean contributes to a more cushioned and satisfying typing experience. Additionally, when it comes to releasing a key, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound produced. Overall, both switches offer a balance of different housing materials that work together to create a unique and enjoyable typing experience for users.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. However, they differ in bottom out force. The Milk Tea has an unknown bottom out force, while the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that the Silent Ocean switch will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel compared to the Milk Tea switch. When considering weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier bottom out force of the Silent Ocean for a more solid and satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press sensation.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is being used. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches ensures a comfortable keypress that is neither too shallow nor too deep, striking a balance between responsiveness and key stability. Overall, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea switch or the smooth linear action of the Silent Ocean switch, you can expect a similar travel distance and overall typing experience from both.
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 Silent 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
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is often praised for its unique and satisfying sound profile, known for being smooth and crisp with a light thock sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is favored for its near-silent operation, providing a quiet typing experience ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While the Milk Tea switch offers a tactile bump that provides tactile feedback during key presses, the Silent Ocean switch provides a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. Both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience by offering distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Overall, while the Outemu Milk Tea and Silent Ocean switches differ in sound and feel, they both excel in delivering reliable performance and durability that Outemu switches are known for. Whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with the Milk Tea switch or a quieter operation with the Silent Ocean switch, both switches are designed to enhance typing comfort and accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, but rest assured that both switches offer quality construction and performance that will satisfy your mechanical keyboard needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should consider a few key factors. If you prioritize a light touch and a unique typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quieter typing experience, the Silent Ocean might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. So, take the time to consider these factors before making your final decision to ensure that you choose the switch that best suits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
