Outemu Milk Tea vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea and the HMX Swift offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch is known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each key press. On the other hand, the HMX Swift is a linear switch that offers a smooth keystroke experience with a quieter sound profile. While the Milk Tea switch is favored for its tactile feel, the HMX Swift stands out for its deep sound profile and smooth actuation force. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the HMX Swift both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for producing a deep and full sound profile when typing on switches made with this material. However, the Milk Tea's top housing is described as offering a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the Swift's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the difference lies in their top housings. The Milk Tea's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing sound to create a more muffled tone. On the other hand, the Swift's nylon bottom housing also absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a dull and round sound profile. This similarity in material choice for the bottom housing leads to comparable sound qualities in both switches, with slight variations due to their respective top housings.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches is divided between the top and bottom housings. Pressing down on a switch will emphasize the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. When releasing a key, the top housing will influence the sound produced. Both the Outemu Milk Tea and the HMX Swift demonstrate how the choice of housing materials, particularly nylon, can greatly impact the sound profile and overall typing experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play crucial roles in determining the typing experience. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. Its bottom out force is unknown, which may lead to a softer typing experience overall. On the other hand, the Swift has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams, providing a more substantial push feel during typing. Additionally, its bottom out force of 50 grams adds a firmer typing experience for those who prefer a more solid keystroke. In this comparison, the Milk Tea is lighter in actuation force while the Swift is heavier, offering users the option to choose based on their preference for typing intensity. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches contribute to the overall typing experience, allowing users to select the one that best suits their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.9 mm. This slight difference may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who are sensitive to travel distances, it could affect their typing experience. The Milk Tea switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more tactile feel and a deeper keystroke, while the Swift switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may offer a quicker response time. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the slight variation in travel distance could make a difference for some users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 is known for its undefined sound profile, making it a quieter option compared to the HMX Swift switch, which is described as clacky. The Swift switch provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, characterized by a crisp and percussive tone. However, it's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have a defined tactile feel described. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch offers an easy-to-press sensation, providing gentle resistance during key presses with a light actuation force of 42g. This leads to a typing experience that is effortless, comfortable, and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Swift switch is also described as feathery, bouncy, and creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lively rebound when keys are pressed.
In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Tea and HMX Swift switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch provides a quieter typing experience with an undefined tactile feel, while the Swift switch produces a clacky sound profile with an easy-to-press and light actuation force, creating a smooth and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If similar results are desired, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a switch with no bottom out force and are looking for an uncommon choice, the Milk Tea may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force and a smoother typing feel with a deeper sound profile, the HMX Swift could be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a unique switch with no bottom out force like the Milk Tea or a smooth, easy-to-press switch like the HMX Swift. Consider how each switch's sound and feel align with your typing preferences and choose the one that best suits your needs.
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