Outemu Milk Tea vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu milk tea and the KTT sea salt lemon offer unique experiences for users. The milk tea is a tactile switch, best known for its smooth tactile bump and satisfying feedback. On the other hand, the sea salt lemon is a linear switch that boasts a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While the milk tea is categorized as tactile, the sea salt lemon falls under low-pitched, neutral, mild. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style; however, let's delve 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both switches share similarities in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound, making both switches suitable for those looking for a switch with a more muted typing experience. However, despite both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, they differ in their top housing materials. The Milk Tea utilizes Ly, a newer material that produces bright, resonant clacks when typing, while the Sea Salt Lemon features polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile.
While the nylon bottom housings of the Outemu Milk Tea and KTT Sea Salt Lemon provide a similar typing experience with deep and full sound profiles, their top housings offer contrasting characteristics. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing produces bright and resonant clacks, adding a distinctive sound signature to typing on switches with such housings. In comparison, the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffer nature that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the switch.
The impact of the housing materials on the sound and feel of the switches can be felt differently based on whether it is the top or bottom housing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while both the Outemu Milk Tea and KTT Sea Salt Lemon share similarities in their nylon bottom housing creating a deep and fuller sound profile, their top housings provide distinct sound characteristics, with the Milk Tea offering bright and resonant clacks, and the Sea Salt Lemon providing a sharper and crisper sound.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that they will require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Tea has an unknown value, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the preferable choice, as the bottom out force is unknown and likely on the lighter side. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences – whether one prefers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or a heavier push feel for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a consistent travel distance experience. The 4mm travel distance allows for a satisfying keypress and tactile feedback for the Milk Tea, while also providing a smooth linear feel for the Sea Salt Lemon. Overall, users can enjoy a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance with both switches.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80.
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 tactile switch does not have a distinct reputation. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The low-pitched nature of the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it a pleasant option for those looking for a quieter typing experience. The neutral sound profile also ensures that it is suitable for a wide range of users and environments, whether for beginners or advanced users, at home or in the office. However, it is essential to consider that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a specific description available. Conversely, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is known for providing a mild typing experience. This mild characteristic offers a gentler and more approachable feel compared to switches with more pronounced traits. With a safe middle-ground quality, the Sea Salt Lemon switch ensures that both the sound and feel of typing are comfortable for most users.
Considering the available information, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch stands out for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, as well as its mild and approachable tactile feel. While the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may not have specific characteristics highlighted, users can expect a comparable experience to the Sea Salt Lemon switch in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, when choosing between these two switches, individuals should consider their personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider the factors that matter most to you. If you value a switch with a smooth typing experience and a medium-light bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a unique aesthetic and are not concerned about a bottom out force, the Milk Tea could be the way to go. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
