Outemu Milk Tea vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray

Overview

When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, a linear switch, offer unique features to consider. The Milk Tea is known for its None characteristic and falls under the tactile category. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches are favored for providing a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, they offer a different typing experience compared to the Milk Tea. Each switch has its own strengths and appeal, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$3.10 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Milk Tea and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. While the Milk Tea utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Polaris Gray incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing for a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in material choice for the bottom housing leads to distinct typing experiences, with the Milk Tea offering a rounder and softer sound compared to the Polaris Gray's more clear and resonant profile.

In terms of the top housing material, the Milk Tea utilizes a Ly housing that creates a bright and resonant sound signature, while the Polaris Gray features a polycarbonate top housing for a higher-pitched and sharper sound profile. Both materials offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Milk Tea providing resonant clacks and the Polaris Gray offering a more defined and crisp sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Polaris Gray allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visual aesthetic to the typing experience.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Outemu Milk Tea and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offer similar results in terms of enhancing the typing sound profile. While the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound for a dulled and rounder sound, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a more clear and resonant sound. Similarly, the differences between the Ly top housing of the Milk Tea and the polycarbonate top housing of the Polaris Gray contribute to their distinct sound profiles, with resonant clacks for the Milk Tea and a sharper sound for the Polaris Gray. Ultimately, both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea has a light actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Polaris Gray's actuation force is unknown, suggesting it may require more force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the Milk Tea, whose bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Milk Tea may be the preferred choice, while the Polaris Gray offers a more robust typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel.

Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of the two switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue, while the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Gray provides a more tactile and substantial typing feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance traveled is the same. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance, providing users with similar results regardless of which switch is used. The travel distance of 4 mm for both switches ensures that users can enjoy a comfortable typing experience with a standard amount of key travel. Overall, the Outemu Milk Tea and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are comparable in terms of travel distance, offering users a consistent and familiar typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Tea switch is known for having a unique sound profile that is not specifically mentioned. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is known for its low-pitched, neutral, and thocky sound characteristics. The Polaris Gray switches provide a clean and clacky sound that may be preferred by those who enjoy a mellow and bass-heavy tone. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not described in detail, leaving its tactile feedback qualities unknown. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is known for offering a mild and polished typing experience. These switches provide a gentle and approachable feel for most users, with a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and seamless key travel. This polished feel can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in a sleek typing experience.

Overall, while the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea and SP-Star Polaris Gray switches differ in terms of sound and feel, the Milk Tea's unique characteristics and the Polaris Gray's bouncy and polished attributes cater to different preferences. Both switches offer distinct experiences for users seeking either a nuanced sound profile or a refined typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a bouncy typing experience and clean, clacky sound, the Polaris Gray switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique sound profile and unspecified bottom out force, the Milk Tea switches might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch, whether it be sound, feel, or typing experience. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more