Outemu Milk Tea vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Tea and the Jwick Taro are two popular options to consider. The Milk Tea is best known for its unique color scheme and is categorized as a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Taro is best known for its comfy subdued color scheme and a cozy typing experience, also falling into the tactile switch category. The Milk Tea offers a different typing experience than the Taro, with its own set of characteristics. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Milk Tea and the Jwick Taro both utilize different materials for their top and bottom switch housings. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing is known for its bright sound signature, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taro allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucency, adding a visual flair to the switch. On the other hand, both switches have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches have nylon bottom housings, the Outemu Milk Tea and the Jwick Taro differ in their top housing materials. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright and resonant sound signature, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches benefit from the qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, creating a deep and full sound profile.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in the Outemu Milk Tea and the Jwick Taro plays a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a bright and resonant sound, while the Taro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper and fuller sound profile. The differences in housing materials between the switches highlight how the choice of material can impact the overall typing experience, from the sound signature to the feel of the switches. Despite these variations, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with a rich sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it is evident that they have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Taro's actuation force is unknown. However, the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is not provided. The actuation force of the Milk Tea makes it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Taro's heavier bottom out force may cater to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Taro. The difference may not be significant, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may lean towards the Milk Tea. However, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, so the difference in feeling may be subtle. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and key responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 the sound produced by the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there is limited information available. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level that is suitable for various environments and purposes. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard used and the keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks specific descriptors, making it difficult to compare directly to the Jwick Taro tactile switch. The Taro switch is noted for providing a buttery typing experience, giving users a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. Additionally, the Taro switch is described as having a stepped feel, meaning it offers a more gradual tactile feedback compared to switches with a more pronounced bump. Users can expect a comfortable and consistent typing experience with these switches.
Overall, while the specific qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are not detailed, the Jwick Taro tactile switch stands out for its cozy typing experience, snappy tactility, and crisp clacks. Both switches offer a moderate level of tactility and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a lighter touch with no defined bottom-out force, the Milk Tea may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy a cozy typing experience with a snappy tactility, the Taro switches could be more to your liking. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile and a smooth, buttery keystroke feel, the Taro switches may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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