Outemu Milk Tea vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, and the Durock Sea Glass, a linear switch, it becomes evident that each offers its set of unique characteristics. The Milk Tea is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed. On the other hand, the Sea Glass stands out for its captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend, creating a distinct typing experience that is dry, wispy, and airy. Despite the Milk Tea being categorized as a tactile switch and the Sea Glass as a linear switch, both offer smoothness in their keypresses. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock Sea Glass, it is evident that both switches offer unique properties. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a bright and resonant sound signature, creating satisfying clacks when typing, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a more pleasant and bright sound profile. Both materials bring a level of uniqueness to the switches, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the contrast becomes more apparent. The Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for the bottom housing offers a similarly unique sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. These bottom housing materials significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches, providing a different typing experience for users.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Durock Sea Glass differ in composition and sound profile, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether it's the resonant clacks of the Milk Tea's Ly top housing or the pleasant sound profile of the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, users can expect a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Milk Tea and the blend bottom housing of the Sea Glass contribute to the switches' overall sound profile, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of the material used.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, while the bottom out force for the Outemu Milk Tea switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Milk Tea switch is lighter considering it has no specified bottom out force, while the Sea Glass switch is on the heavier side with a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea switch may be the better choice, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Durock Sea Glass switch. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Milk Tea being slightly longer than the Sea Glass. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass for faster response times, while those looking for a more in-depth typing experience may opt for the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
The Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Milk Tea switch is known for a crisp and satisfying click due to its tactile nature, while the Sea Glass switch series presents a uniquely hollow sound signature that adds an extra layer of auditory feedback to the typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch offers a tactile bump that provides feedback during each keypress. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch is known for its frictionless nature, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch series is described as mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions with minimal finger fatigue.
Overall, while the Milk Tea and Sea Glass switches may offer different sound and feel profiles, they both excel in providing a high-quality typing experience. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea switch or the smoothness of the Sea Glass switch, you can expect a satisfying and comfortable typing experience from either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics that you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
Therefore, when choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a switch with a weightlessness that defies expectations, a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience, and a uniquely hollow sound signature, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a smooth and uncompromised typing experience, along with a bottom-out force of None grams, then the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired level of tactile feedback when making your selection.
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