Outemu Milk Tea vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Milk Tea switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience, with a heavier weight and sharp, crunchy clickiness. If you value a tactile response and a softer typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the switch for you. However, if you prefer a louder, more pronounced typing sound and a heavier key press, the Kailh Sage could be the better choice. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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 Outemu Milk Tea and Kailh Sage switches both offer unique and high-quality housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing and the Sage's polycarbonate top housing both provide a bright and resonant sound signature, although the polycarbonate material in the Sage offers a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Milk Tea. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Sage allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Milk Tea and Sage switches utilize nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches ensures that typists can enjoy a consistent typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. The differences in top and bottom housing materials between the switches highlight the importance of each component in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch.
While the Outemu Milk Tea and Kailh Sage switches have differences in their top housing materials, their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a commonality in the sound profile they offer. Typists can expect a deeper and fuller sound when typing on either switch, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance in the impact on the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with distinctive sound profiles enhanced by their unique housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is clear that the actuation and bottom out forces vary between the two. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Sage's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is unavailable. This means that the Milk Tea would offer a lighter typing experience compared to the Sage, which would require a bit more force to press down fully. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Tea, while those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial typing feel may opt for the Sage. In general, understanding the actuation and bottom out forces of switches can help individuals choose the one that best suits their typing preferences, whether they prefer a lighter or heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Sage the shorter of the two switches. The Milk Tea falls into the traditional range of travel distances, while the Sage is slightly shallower. Gamers may prefer the Sage for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may prefer the Milk Tea. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the Milk Tea providing a bit more depth compared to the Sage. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10, whereas the Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25.
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 Outemu Milk Tea and Kailh Sage switches offer different auditory experiences. The Milk Tea switch's sound profile is unknown, while the Sage switch is described as producing a crunchy typing noise reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Both switches rely on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used to influence the overall sound produced during typing.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea tactile switch's tactile feedback is unspecified, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for providing an invigorating and sharp tactile sensation. The Sage switch offers a firm actuation force and pronounced feedback, creating a snappy and reactive typing experience that is both immersive and distinct with each keypress.
Considering the available information, the Outemu Milk Tea switch offers an undisclosed sound and feel profile, making it difficult to directly compare to the Kailh Sage switch. However, if one enjoys a crunchy and sharp tactile experience with pronounced feedback, the Sage switch might be a preferable choice. Ultimately, individual preferences for typing sound and feel will play a significant role in determining which switch is the best fit for a newcomer to the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a switch with a light bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and enjoy a satisfyingly sharp clicky sound while typing, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would be the better option. Consider your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between Outemu Milk Tea and Kailh Sage switches comes down to your individual typing style and what features are most important to you.
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