Outemu Milk Tea vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile versus linear options. The Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, offers a distinct feel with a pronounced bump during key presses, making it a favorite among typists who enjoy feedback on their keystrokes without the loud noise often associated with clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, is a linear option that provides a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers seeking speed and fluidity during intense gameplay. While the Milk Tea is appealing for those who appreciate the tactile experience and some auditory feedback, the Sunset Gleam stands out for its quiet operation and satisfying "clack" thanks to HMX's renowned factory lube. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Milk Tea and HMX Sunset Gleam switches showcase differing materials used for their respective top housings, which dramatically influences their sound profile. The Milk Tea utilizes a newer material known for producing a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks, offering a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for its ability to generate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the acoustic experience of typing, the differences in their sound qualities highlight how the dominance of either a bright sound or a sharper tone could influence a user's preference during regular use.

When we move to the bottom housings, both the Milk Tea and Sunset Gleam utilize nylon, which is well-regarded as a classic material for switch housings. The nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound effectively to yield a duller and rounder effect. Since both switches employ the same material for the bottom housing, they are likely to share similar auditory characteristics in terms of the rounded sound produced when bottoming out. This consistency in bottom housing materials means that regardless of the differences in top housings, users can expect a cohesive sound experience when pressing down on either switch.

In summary, the combination of distinct top housing materials with a shared nylon bottom housing offers a unique perspective on how sound profiles are crafted in the Outemu Milk Tea and HMX Sunset Gleam switches. While the Milk Tea promises a bright and resonant typing experience, the Sunset Gleam leans toward a sharper clarity due to its polycarbonate top housing. However, both switches retain a commonality in their nylon bottom housings, ensuring a fuller sound experience when keys are pressed down. This blend of differentiation and uniformity ultimately enhances the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose based on personal taste in auditory feedback and aesthetics.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch with the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we see a slight difference in their actuation forces. The Milk Tea switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a bit heavier than the Sunset Gleam, which requires an actuation force of 42 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer lighter switches may find the Sunset Gleam more comfortable for extended use. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Milk Tea switch is unavailable, while the HMX Sunset Gleam features a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Sunset Gleam not only has a lighter actuation but also a definitive bottoming out experience, adding to its nuanced feedback. As a result, those looking for a stiffer feel when fully depressing the key may prefer the Sunset Gleam, while the actuation factor alone suggests that the Milk Tea switch will provide a more demanding experience until bottoming out, though details on that aspect are not provided. Overall, the Sunset Gleam is the lighter switch, while the Milk Tea, with its higher actuation force, would appeal to those who enjoy a bit more resistance when typing or gaming.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The Milk Tea switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with traditional switch designs, offering a hearty feel that many users appreciate for its depth. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it more suitable for those who prefer quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. This means the Milk Tea switch provides a longer travel experience, while the Sunset Gleam offers a shorter, more immediate sensation. For users looking for that deeper engagement with their keystrokes, the Milk Tea would be the preferred choice, while those seeking rapid actuation may find the Sunset Gleam more appealing.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch does not have a clearly defined sound profile based on the provided information. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam is celebrated for its subtle top-out and satisfying clack, owing to its careful blend of materials. The factory lubrication that HMX applies enhances the overall sound experience, providing a smooth acoustic character that can resonate quite pleasingly with users. However, it's important to note that the sound of any switch will also depend on the specific keyboard it is used with, as well as the type of keycaps installed.

When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch lacks specific details regarding its tactile characteristics, leaving its tactile sensation somewhat ambiguous. The HMX Sunset Gleam, being a linear switch, provides a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bumps. This makes it ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted key presses. The combination of the quality materials and factory lube typically results in a very refined typing experience, contributing to its appeal among linear switch enthusiasts.

In summary, while the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not provide specific sound and feel qualities, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch is known for its satisfying acoustic profile and smooth typing experience thanks to its factory lubrication and design. If you are seeking a tactile sensation, the Milk Tea might not meet defined expectations, but if you are open to experimenting, these switches can offer a personalized experience. Ultimately, both switches serve different preferences — whether you desire a linear feel or the tactile feedback of a different switch altogether is key in making your choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re someone who appreciates a tactile bump that provides feedback without being overly loud, the Milk Tea switch might be the ideal choice for you, especially for typing tasks where you want to feel each keystroke. Its tactile nature could enhance your typing experience, providing a comfortable and responsive feel that many find enjoyable for long periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a gentle, satisfying clack, the HMX Sunset Gleam could be your go-to. With its light bottom-out force of 48 grams, this switch is designed for fast-paced typing and gaming, making it an excellent option if you prioritize speed and fluidity in your key presses. In summary, consider the Milk Tea switch for a tactile feel and a more deliberate typing experience, and opt for the Sunset Gleam if you seek a linear switch that offers ease of use and an expressive sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more