Outemu Milk Tea vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly affect your typing experience, and two notable tactile options are the Outemu Milk Tea and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches. The Milk Tea switch is designed for those who appreciate a smooth keystroke, providing a unique tactile feel that enhances feedback during typing, but specifics about its sound profile remain undefined. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a captivating combination of deep "thock" upon bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, making it ideal for users seeking a refined auditory experience alongside a pronounced tactile bump for superior feedback. While both switches cater to users desiring tactile engagement, the Milk Tea is perfect for those who prioritize a smooth typing experience, while the U4Tx RGB appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a more sophisticated sound profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea switches and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in the type of materials used for the top housings. The Milk Tea’s top housing utilizes a newer material that is purported to engender a very bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks while typing. In contrast, the proprietary Gazzew blend top housing of the U4Tx RGB, often referred to as "boba plastic," is designed to provide a richer, deeper sound profile that is more subdued. Therefore, while the Milk Tea excels in a bright auditory experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB seems to prioritize a warmer sound ambiance, leading to different tactile acoustic feedback during use.
Conversely, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, albeit with each incorporating proprietary blends that aim to enhance the auditory experience. The Milk Tea’s nylon bottom housing is characterized by its classic properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. Meanwhile, the U4Tx RGB’s proprietary Gazzew blend, despite lacking the traditional nylon designation, serves a similar purpose by also delivering a rich sound experience thanks to its softness. In this context, both switches leverage the qualities of softer materials to achieve a more rounded acoustic profile, though the Milk Tea emphasizes this through traditional nylon while the U4Tx RGB utilizes a modern blend.
Ultimately, the interplay of top and bottom housing materials leads to differing sound signatures and tactile experiences in these two switch types. The Milk Tea's bright sound from its innovative top housing contrasts with the deeper, richer character offered by Gazzew's proprietary blend. However, when it comes to the bottoms, both switches capitalize on the sound-absorbing capabilities of softer materials, ensuring that the acoustic results are harmonious despite the differences in the top housings. If a player seeks a unified sound experience, one can appreciate how both configurations create distinct auditory experiences shaped by their respective materials, ultimately showcasing a spectrum of acoustic possibilities in the mechanical keyboard world.
Weight
In comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch has a known actuation force of 45 grams, which generally offers a lighter typing experience, beneficial for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. However, its bottom out force is not specified, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it performs when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, suggesting a more substantial feel when the switch is fully actuated. This heavier bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and pronounced feedback during typing. Therefore, while the Outemu Milk Tea provides a lighter actuation feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a firmer bottoming experience, making the two switches suitable for different user preferences in terms of typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, we find that the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4Tx RGB comes in slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the Milk Tea offers a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who lean towards quicker response times—ideal for gaming or fast typing scenarios. Thus, if you're seeking a switch that provides a more substantial feedback with each press, the Milk Tea is the better option, whereas the U4Tx RGB would be suitable for those who favor speed and a more responsive feel in their keystrokes. In this case, the Milk Tea is the longer switch at 4 mm, and the U4Tx RGB is the shorter switch at 3.6 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10, whereas the Gazzew U4Tx RGB comes in at $6.50.
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 does not have a widely recognized sound profile, making it relatively quiet and understated. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is known for its distinctive auditory experience. It features a deep "thock" sound when bottoming out, paired with a quieter, stealthier sound when topping out. This sound combination results in a more refined acoustic experience, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a richer auditory feedback during typing while minimizing disruptive noises.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks specific notable attributes, which may suggest a more generic tactile experience. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch is celebrated for its sharp tactile bump that provides a luxurious typing experience. This design not only enhances the sense of feedback but also contributes to a more enjoyable and responsive interaction with the keyboard, likely appealing to typists and gamers alike who value precise tactile sensations.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not stand out in sound or feel, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch offers a compelling option for those seeking a refined sound profile and an enhanced tactile feedback. If you are looking for a switch that combines an engaging auditory experience with luxurious tactile qualities, the U4Tx RGB is likely the better choice. However, if you prefer a quieter, more subdued switch experience without any distinctive auditory or tactile traits, the Milk Tea may still suit your needs. Ultimately, your preferences and the external factors like the keyboard build will greatly influence how you perceive the qualities of each switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you prioritize a medium-heavy actuation force that provides a pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying "thock" sound, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB is an excellent option, ideal for those who enjoy a luxurious typing experience. This switch excels in a variety of typing scenarios, especially if you're looking for a switch that minimizes noise while delivering a distinct tactile bump. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter, more effortless typing experience without specific sound or feel characteristics, you might lean towards the Outemu Milk Tea. While it may not have the defined sound and tactile profile that the U4Tx offers, it's likely to be more forgiving and smoother for extended typing sessions where comfort is your primary concern. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two tactile switches.