Outemu Milk Tea vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Milk Tea is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its proprietary material blend that offers a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Milk Tea offers a tactile response for those who prefer a bit of resistance while typing, the Piano provides a silky-smooth typing experience ideal for those who prioritize a frictionless 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

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

Durock Piano Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock Piano both have unique top housings that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing is praised for its bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks while typing. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience, the Milk Tea provides a brighter sound, whereas the Piano offers a deeper and more robust sound.

In terms of bottom housings, the Milk Tea features a nylon bottom housing known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to harder plastics and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend bottom housing that also contributes to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Both housings aim to enhance the overall sound experience of the switch, with nylon providing a softer and fuller sound compared to the potentially more robust sound from the POM blend.

While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock Piano are different, both materials offer distinct benefits to the overall typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings impact the sound and feel of the switch in different ways. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience through their innovative housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in the forces required for each. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Piano's actuation force is unknown. However, the bottom out force of the Piano is heavier at 63.5 grams compared to the Milk Tea's unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Piano may appeal to individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from top to bottom. Both switches offer a consistent tactile experience for users, with neither switch having a shorter or longer travel distance compared to the other. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users can expect similar results in keypress feedback and actuation regardless of which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks a specific descriptor, while the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep and creamy sound profile. The Milk Tea's sound is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Piano switch is characterized as "bassy," offering a rich and deep sound similar to bass tones.

In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch does not have a described tactile feel, while the Durock Piano linear switch is noted for its frictionless and silky feel. A frictionless switch like the Piano provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, reducing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the silky feel of the Piano enhances typing smoothness and minimizes resistance during key presses and releases.

Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that they offer quite different experiences. The Milk Tea lacks specific details on both sound and feel, while the Piano is known for its bassy sound signature and silky, frictionless feel. Depending on personal preference, typing style, and the overall keyboard setup, individuals may find that they prefer the deep sound and smooth feel of the Durock Piano switch over the unknown qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea switch. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches is key to finding the perfect match for your typing needs.

Conclusion

Therefore, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a smooth, frictionless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feel without a specific bottom out force requirement, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch could be the perfect fit. Consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and desired tactile feedback when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more