Outemu Milk Tea vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea and the KTT Purple Star offer distinct typing experiences. The Milk Tea switch is a tactile switch that is best known for None. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch is a linear switch with all-POM construction, providing a smooth typing experience with a light 45g bottom-out force. While the Milk Tea switch offers a tactile feedback for typists who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel, the Purple Star switch provides a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature. Both switches have their own unique benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Tea and KTT Purple Star switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Milk Tea features a Ly top housing that offers bright and resonant clacks, while its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM top and bottom housings create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to the Milk Tea. Despite these differences, both switches offer a distinct sound experience that caters to different preferences.
While the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides bright and resonant clacks, the Purple Star's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in sound signature showcases how different housing materials can influence the overall typing experience. Additionally, the Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the Purple Star's POM bottom housing contributes to the deeper and more muted sound profile. Overall, these differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of a switch.
Despite their differences, both the Outemu Milk Tea and KTT Purple Star switches aim to provide a unique typing experience through their housing materials. Whether it's the bright and resonant clacks of the Milk Tea or the deeper and more muted sound profile of the Purple Star, both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for distinct sound signatures. By having different top and bottom housing materials, these switches split the qualities each material brings, affecting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and Purple Star comes down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Milk Tea has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Purple Star's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, the bottom out force of the Purple Star is 50 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Purple Star for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier push feel of the Milk Tea for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in force, both switches provide a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star. The Milk Tea's 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial depth when pressing down on the key, which may be preferred by some users who enjoy a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Purple Star's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it potentially more suitable for gamers or individuals looking for a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10, whereas the KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88.
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 Milk Tea switch does not have a specific descriptor provided, so it is difficult to compare directly to the Purple Star's low-pitched sound profile. However, both switches are likely to provide a relatively quiet typing experience overall, especially when paired with a sound-dampening keyboard case and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch also lacks a specific descriptor, making it challenging to contrast with the characteristics of the Purple Star switch. However, the Purple Star switch is described as providing a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a comfortable feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. The Milk Tea switch may offer a similar level of comfort and ease in typing due to its tactile nature, but without additional information, it is hard to make a direct comparison.
Overall, while the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may not be as clearly defined as those of the KTT Purple Star linear switch, both switches are likely to provide a pleasant typing experience for users. The Milk Tea switch may appeal to those who prefer a tactile typing experience, while the Purple Star switch is geared towards individuals looking for a smooth and effortless typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up your comparison between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a light bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Purple Star linear switch would be an ideal choice for you. The all-POM construction and low actuation force make it perfect for light typists looking for a comfortable and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a tactile switch with undefined characteristics and are looking for a different typing experience, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch could be the right fit for you. Consider your typing preferences, desired sound, and feel when choosing between these two switches to find the one that best suits your needs.
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