Outemu Milk Tea vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea and the HMX SU both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy tactile feedback and precision during their writing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX SU, a linear switch, delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, appealing to gamers and fast typists who prioritize speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. The SU's full PA12 housing contributes to its subtle yet deeper sound profile, making it a great fit for those who prefer a quieter keyboard ambiance. While both switches serve distinct purposes in the realm of mechanical keyboards, a deeper exploration into their features and performance will help you determine which one aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

HMX SU Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Milk Tea switches feature a combination of a newly developed Ly top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the HMX SU switches consist of a classic nylon material for both the top and bottom housings. The distinct qualities of these materials significantly influence the acoustic and tactile experience when typing. The Ly top housing of the Milk Tea switches is characterized by its bright sound signature, providing crisp, resonant clacks that pop with a lively energy during key presses. In contrast, the SU's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience.

The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both the Milk Tea and the HMX SU switches contributes to a consistent tonal foundation. The nylon's inherent softness allows for sound absorption, producing a deeper bottom-out sound that is desirable for many typists. As the bottom housing plays a critical role in the overall sound and feel during key presses, both switches leverage the acoustic properties of nylon to enhance the typing experience. This similarity suggests that while the Milk Tea's top housing may create a brighter initial sound when keys are released, the common nylon bottom across both switch types would yield a similar muted quality when bottoming out.

In essence, while the top housings of the Outemu Milk Tea and HMX SU switches differ significantly in material and sound signature, their shared nylon bottom housing means that both switches can produce comparable bottom-out sounds. This results in a striking contrast where the Milk Tea stands out with its brighter top end when keys are released, but ultimately, the foundational characteristics provided by the nylon bottom housing create a cohesive termination of sound regardless of the top housing type. Therefore, users seeking distinct acoustic experiences in their switch selections will find both options interesting, with their sound profiles dictated by the interplay of housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar typing experience in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the HMX SU switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unavailable. This suggests that while the actuation feels the same, the HMX SU switch provides a heavier resistance at the bottom, leading to a more substantial typing experience. For users who prefer a lighter feel for extended use, the Milk Tea may be more suitable, but the HMX SU's heavier bottom out force might appeal to those who enjoy a firmer push. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter switch should consider the Milk Tea, while those who appreciate a stronger push might lean towards the HMX SU.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Milk Tea switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX SU has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Milk Tea offers a more substantial depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the HMX SU's shorter travel distance could provide quicker response times, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prioritize speed. Overall, if you favor a switch with a hearty depth, the Outemu Milk Tea is the superior option, whereas the HMX SU is better suited for those who prefer a faster, more responsive feel with its shorter travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have a well-defined profile to reference, which means it may produce a neutral or less distinctive sound compared to other options on the market. The HMX SU linear switch, however, is noted for its subtle yet relatively deep sound profile, attributed to its full PA12 housing and T5 stem. This suggests that while the SU will provide a more satisfying auditory experience, the Milk Tea may lean towards a more understated and potentially smoother operation, especially as sound can greatly vary depending on the keyboard and keycap configuration used.

When discussing the feel of these switches, the Milk Tea tactile switch lacks a specific description, leaving its tactile response and overall experience open to interpretation. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch is expected to deliver a smooth, unbroken keystroke due to its linear nature, making it suitable for fast typists and gamers who prefer uninterrupted key presses. While the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea is not specified, newcomers should anticipate a different typing experience between these two, with SU likely providing a more consistent and fluid feel.

In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Tea and HMX SU switches present contrasting characteristics in terms of sound and feel, with the Milk Tea remaining somewhat of an enigma in its tactile feedback and auditory output, while the SU offers a more pronounced, smooth, and deep sound. Choosing between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference and specific typing requirements, with the possible realization that both switches might cater to different user experiences depending on the keyboard and keycap choices.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your specific needs and preferences for typing or gaming experiences. If you appreciate tactile feedback that offers a bit of a bump without excessive noise and you enjoy a unique, soft feel, the Milk Tea switch may be your best option. However, if you prefer a smooth keystroke with a light bottom-out force that allows for rapid typing or gaming, the HMX SU switch would be more suitable. The SU’s full PA12 housing contributes to its deeper sound profile, making it a great choice if you're looking for a pleasant auditory experience while maintaining a linear feel. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you value subtle tactile sensations or favor a seamless linear transition.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more