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Outemu Milk Tea vs. Dareu Sky V3

An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, and the Dareu Sky V3, a linear switch. The Milk Tea switch is best known for providing a tactile feedback with a satisfying bump during typing, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Sky V3 switch is celebrated for its neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, offering a balance that caters to a wide range of typing preferences. While the Milk Tea switch may be preferred for its tactile feel, the Sky V3 switch is praised for its comfort and precision. 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

40g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Bottom-out force

N/A

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

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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Gold-plated spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky V3, we can see that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and duller sound. However, while the Sky V3 also uses nylon for its top housing, the Milk Tea utilizes a newer material that provides a bright sound signature and resonant clacks when typing. This difference in top housing materials likely leads to a variation in overall sound and typing experience between the two switches.

On the other hand, when it comes to the top housing material, the Milk Tea sets itself apart by using a unique material that offers bright and resonant sound characteristics, while the Sky V3 opts for polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Sky V3 is not only known for producing clearer and more resonant sound but is also aesthetically pleasing due to its translucency, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. However, despite this difference in top housing materials, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a deep and full sound when typing.

In terms of overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of a switch. While the Milk Tea and Sky V3 both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the different top housing materials of the Milk Tea and Sky V3 offer unique sound profiles. The Milk Tea's top housing material provides a bright and resonant sound, while the Sky V3's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deep and full sound of nylon or the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sky V3's 40 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it challenging to determine which one requires more force to fully press down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Sky V3 may be more suitable due to its lighter actuation force. Conversely, the Milk Tea may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

Both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these switches, it is evident that both provide a consistent typing experience with the same amount of key travel. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation depth when using either switch. Whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea or the smooth linear feel of the Sky V3, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of switch type rather than travel distance.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.

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 does not have a specific reputation in terms of sound quality. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is known for its neutral sound signature, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of typing preferences. The Sky V3 also boasts a subdued sound when pressed, providing a more subtle sound signature compared to many other switches. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.

In regard to the feel of the switches, there is no specific information available about the tactile sensation of the Outemu Milk Tea switch. However, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is known for its mild tactile feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. This mild feel makes the Sky V3 switches approachable to most users, providing a comfortable typing experience without overwhelming tactile feedback.

Overall, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may be unknown, the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch is celebrated for its neutral sound profile and mild tactile feel. Both switches offer a balanced and comfortable typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences, making them desirable choices for both enthusiasts and professionals. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as well as other factors such as compatibility with your keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a more neutral sound profile and a medium-light weight switch that offers comfort and precision for diverse typing preferences, the Dareu Sky V3 would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique bottom out force and are looking for something that stands out, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and cater to different user preferences, so make sure to choose based on what matters most to you in a keyboard switch.

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