Outemu Milk Tea vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea and the Outemu Tom both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea is a tactile switch, providing a satisfying feedback with each key press, while the Tom also falls under the tactile category but offers a different typing experience. The Milk Tea is best known for its smooth actuation and quiet operation, making it a great choice for those who value a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Tom is known for its slightly heavier actuation force and pronounced tactile bump, ideal for users who prefer a more tactile and responsive typing 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
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
3.30 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 housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Tom switches show distinct differences in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers bright and resonant clacks when typing, while the Tom's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Tom switch allows for translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Overall, the Milk Tea and Tom switches offer unique sound experiences based on their housing materials.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Tom switches share similarities in their nylon bottom housing. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, creating a similar deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of this classic switch housing material. This shared feature ensures that users of either switch will experience a similar typing sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housing. However, the distinct differences in the top housing materials of the Milk Tea and Tom switches contribute to varying sound profiles and aesthetics, offering users a choice in selecting the switch that best suits their preferences.
In conclusion, the housing materials play a significant role in dictating the sound profiles and overall typing experience of mechanical switches like the Outemu Milk Tea and Outemu Tom. While the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a bright and resonant sound, the Tom's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound with the added benefit of translucency for RGB lighting. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the classic qualities of this material. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and Tom switches will come down to personal preferences in sound and aesthetics based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. However, both switches have no specified bottom out force, making it difficult to compare in terms of how much force is required to bottom out the keys. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea switch would be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Tom switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch are popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which falls into the more traditional range, while the Tom switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Gamers may prefer the Tom switch for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milk Tea switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Tom.
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 known for a unique sound profile, with a soft sound when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for a slightly different sound, with a gentle click. When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea provides a tactile bump that is smooth and the Tom offers a tactile bump that is pronounced.
Overall, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with their own distinct sound profiles and tactile bumps. Depending on personal preference, you may choose one over the other based on the sound and feel you prefer. Keep in mind that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the right switch for you. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, and you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a switch known for a certain quality or feature, the Milk Tea may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a heavier bottom out force or are looking for a switch with different characteristics, the Tom might be the more suitable option. Additionally, considering the sound and feel of each switch is important as well. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure that you select the switch that suits your individual needs best.
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