Outemu Milk Tea vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and specific needs. On one hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch is a tactile option. While it may not have a specific standout feature, it offers a unique typing experience that some users may prefer. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is best known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, with a muted sound profile that makes it perfect for quiet environments such as offices or shared living spaces. Categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished, the Silent Red switch offers a consistent and comfortable feel throughout typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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 TTC Silent Red switches both use nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a deep and full sound profile when typing. The nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a Ly top housing that provides a bright and resonant sound signature, while the Silent Red employs a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound profile. The differences in top housing materials contribute to the distinct sound characteristics of each switch.
Both the Milk Tea and Silent Red switches offer unique sound profiles due to their top housing materials. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing produces resonant clacks when typing, enhancing the overall typing experience. In comparison, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a higher-pitched and clearer sound profile, which is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize sound quality. While the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon and provide a similar sound profile, the top housings play a significant role in shaping the sound output of each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Milk Tea and TTC Silent Red switches contributes to their distinct sound profiles. The Milk Tea's combination of Ly and nylon housings offers a well-rounded sound experience, with resonant clacks and a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing enhances the crispness and clarity of the sound, providing a different typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in creating unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, they both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Milk Tea has an unknown bottom out force, while the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Silent Red switch will provide a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the Milk Tea switch. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Milk Tea for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Silent Red for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. The shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may appeal to those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Tea switch and the TTC Silent Red switch offer two very different experiences. The Milk Tea switch's sound profile is not widely known, which suggests it may fall somewhere in the middle in terms of noise level. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is specifically designed to be muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for quieter environments like offices or shared living spaces.
In regards to feel, the differences between the two switches are again apparent. The Milk Tea switch's tactile feel is not specified, leaving its typing experience up to interpretation. However, the Silent Red switch is described as having a buttery smooth feel with a padded bottom-out sensation, offering a comfortable and consistent typing experience from start to finish. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is said to be mild and polished, providing a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, if you prefer a switch that offers a quieter typing experience with a smooth and uniform feel, the TTC Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you are open to exploring a switch with unspecified sound and feel qualities, the Outemu Milk Tea switch could be worth considering for a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on individual typing preferences and the desired environment for keyboard use.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a unique color scheme and a light typing experience, the Outemu Milk Tea switches would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quiet typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the TTC Silent Red switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing environment. Consider your preferences and needs carefully before making a decision.
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