Outemu Milk Tea vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact the typing experience, and two popular options are the Outemu Milk Tea switches and the Akko Rosewood switches. The Milk Tea switch, classified as a tactile switch, offers users a noticeable bump in the keypress, making it an appealing choice for typists who appreciate feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Rosewood switch, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth actuation and quiet keystrokes, producing a deep, satisfying "thock" sound straight out of the box, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant. While the tactile nature of the Milk Tea switch can enhance typing precision and enjoyment for some, others may prefer the seamless and quieter feel of the Rosewood for gaming or low-noise environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Akko Rosewood, we can observe distinct characteristics in their top housings. The Milk Tea features a newer material that produces a bright sound signature, ideal for users who enjoy pronounced resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood adopts classic nylon for its top housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, yielding a duller and rounder typing experience. This juxtaposition highlights the diversity in auditory feedback that each switch can provide; while the Milk Tea's material emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Rosewood’s nylon top focuses on warmth and depth.

Both switches share similarities in their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon, resulting in comparable sound qualities. The deep and full sound profile resulting from this softer plastic means that users of both the Milk Tea and the Rosewood will benefit from a quieter, more subdued bottom-out experience. Given that the bottom housing has a substantial impact on the feel and sound when the key is pressed down, both switches will exhibit a similar tactile sensation related to the impact of bottoming out. This means that elements such as sound dampening and overall typing experience are likely to be closely aligned in these two switches despite differences in their top housing materials.

The combined effects of the top and bottom housing materials play a crucial role in defining the overall acoustic and tactile performance of each switch. For those who prefer a brighter, more resonant sound, the Outemu Milk Tea may be the preferred choice due to its innovative top material. Conversely, users who lean toward a more muted and rounded sound might favor the Akko Rosewood, thanks to its classic nylon top. However, both switches will retain a consistent depth in sound due to their matching nylon bottom housings, demonstrating that variations in material can lead to nuanced experiences while still sharing a common foundation.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we notice some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making the Rosewood the easier option to press. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is not specified, while the Rosewood switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when fully pressed down. This makes the Rosewood switch the heavier option overall, providing a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push during their keystrokes. In summary, while the Actuation force of the two switches differs, with the Rosewood being lighter, the Milk Tea's bottom out force remains unknown, and thus cannot be directly compared. For users who favor lighter switches, the Akko Rosewood may be the better choice.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key using either switch, the total distance the key travels from the top to the bottom is identical. This equal travel distance will provide similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness, making both switches suitable for users who prefer a consistent typing experience. Therefore, if you're seeking key switches with comparable travel dynamics, either option would meet that criterion.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have a specific sound profile highlighted, which leaves its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch is celebrated for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that provides a rich acoustic response. This means that while the Milk Tea switch's sound is uncertain, the Rosewood's sound is distinct and enjoyable, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a pleasing auditory experience while typing.

Regarding the feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not convey particular tactile sensations that stand out in discussions, making it hard to define its actuation characteristics. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch can be expected to provide a smooth linear feel, translating to a consistent and uninterrupted keypress experience. This contrast suggests that while both switches may lack standout features in their respective areas, the Rosewood has a clearer identity in terms of feel that caters to users who prefer a seamless action without tactile bumps.

In summary, the Outemu Milk Tea switch presents an undefined sound and feel, which could render it a more neutral choice without any unique qualities to highlight. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with its rich thocky sound and smooth linear actuation, providing a more satisfying typing experience. For users aiming for a switch with well-defined characteristics, the Rosewood clearly has the edge, while those leaning towards the more ambiguous feel of the Milk Tea might find it a suitable option depending on personal preference and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, you’ll want to consider your typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire from your keyboard. If you're leaning towards a switch that offers a tactile feedback, ideal for both typing and gaming, and if you enjoy a balanced feel that enhances your overall experience without being overly forceful, the Milk Tea switch may be right for you, even though specific details on its characteristics are limited. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a smoother, linear action with a satisfying "thocky" sound—ideal for a more immersive typing experience—the Rosewood switch would be a better choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force gives it a pleasing weight, making it excellent for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback or linear smoothness, as well as the kind of auditory experience that enhances your workflow or gaming prowess.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more