Outemu Milk Tea vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options between various types, each catering to different preferences and needs. The Outemu Milk Tea switch, known for its tactile feedback, provides a satisfying bump that allows typists and gamers to feel confirmation with each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch, celebrated for its linear action, features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, delivering a smoother and quieter press that can enhance both gaming and typing efficiency. While the Milk Tea’s tactile feedback may appeal to those who prefer a distinct response, the Twilight's fluid motion can be advantageous for users looking for rapid keystrokes during intense gaming sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the top housings of the Outemu Milk Tea and HMX Twilight switches, we see a stark contrast in their material properties. The Milk Tea features a newer material that produces a bright sound signature, leading to resonant clacks during typing. This characteristic can offer a more lively and engaging auditory feedback that many typists find appealing for a lively typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight utilizes a classic nylon top housing, which is soft and tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, rounder sound profile. This difference in sound profiles indicates that while the Milk Tea may be better suited for those who thrive on auditory sharpness and clarity, the Twilight caters to users who prefer a more subdued and muted auditory feedback.

For the bottom housing, both the Milk Tea and TMY Twilight utilize nylon materials, resulting in similar acoustics. Both switches share the benefits of nylon's softer plastic properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile as sound is absorbed rather than reflected. This commonality in materials means that, during typing, both switches are likely to produce a similar bottom-out sound, characterized by a softer thud compared to harder materials. Therefore, despite the different top housing materials impacting the auditory experience uniquely, users of both switches can expect a comparable and pleasing bottom-out experience due to the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing.

This harmonious combination of materials highlights how the tactile and auditory experience of a switch can be nuanced based on its design. The Milk Tea's unique and bright top housing allows for a lively key release sound, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper sound profile at bottom-out. Conversely, the HMX Twilight's nylon top housing offers a more muted sound release but maintains the same plush bottoming effect as the Milk Tea due to the use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings. Thus, while the Milk Tea and HMX Twilight offer different auditory experiences at the keypress's apex, they converge in delivering a pleasing and consistent acoustic response when they bottom out, emphasizing the importance of both housing types in the overall performance of mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Twilight's actuation force of 42 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is currently unknown, while the Twilight switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Twilight switch can provide a definitive resistance once fully depressed, which some users favor for tactile feedback. In summary, the Milk Tea switch has a heavier actuation force with an undefined bottom out force, while the Twilight is the lighter option in terms of actuation and offers a measurable bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for those looking for a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we find that the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Twilight measures 3.85 mm. This makes the Milk Tea the longer option, offering a more traditional feel that some users prefer for its hearty depth, particularly in typing scenarios. Conversely, the shorter 3.85 mm travel distance of the Twilight may cater to gamers seeking quick responsiveness, as shorter switches typically allow for faster actuation and a more rapid return to neutral. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may depend on whether you value a more pronounced feedback from a longer travel distance or the swift response of a shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is somewhat elusive, as it doesn't have any prominent sonic characteristics noted. This may suggest that it offers a more muted or neutral sound profile, which can be appealing for users who prefer a quieter setup. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is distinguished by its extended 3.85mm travel distance, producing a slightly quieter operation while preserving the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches. This indicates that while it may not be completely silent, it lends itself to a sound profile that balances between being quiet and a subtle auditory feedback, depending on the overall setup.

When it comes to feel, the specifics of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch are not elaborated upon, leaving its tactile feedback and overall sensation unknown. In contrast, the HMX Twilight linear switch provides a smooth, consistent keystroke due to its linear nature, known for lacking the tactile bump that typifies tactile switches. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate seamless key presses, particularly in fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where smoothness can enhance performance.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present unique experiences, albeit with limited information on the Milk Tea. The Milk Tea may offer a more muted sound without clear tactile feedback, while the Twilight provides a quiet yet elevated clacky sound due to its travel distance, coupled with a smooth feel. For enthusiasts looking for a distinct sonic and tactile experience, careful consideration of these qualities is crucial, especially since the sound profile can also be influenced by other elements such as the keyboard itself and the choice of keycaps.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and what you seek in your typing or gaming experience. If you enjoy a more tactile feel with a softer actuation, making it suitable for casual typing or leisurely gaming sessions, the Outemu Milk Tea might be your go-to option. This switch is excellent for those who appreciate a bit of feedback without the added noise typically associated with clicky switches. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and value the extended travel for a quieter yet responsive experience, the HMX Twilight linear switch would likely be the better choice. The Twilight's lighter bottom out force and longer travel distance make it ideal for fast-paced gaming or if you wish to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you balance tactile feedback with travel dynamics and sound preference in your keyboard use.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Tea Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more