Outemu Milk Tea vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact typing experience and user preference. The Outemu Milk Tea switch, although not widely recognized for any standout feature, offers a basic tactile feedback that appeals to those who appreciate a straightforward typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is known for its subtle to moderate tactile feel, providing a balanced sound profile that enhances its tactile characteristics and caters to users who enjoy a more nuanced response with each keystroke. While the Milk Tea switch presents an uncomplicated option ideal for users seeking simplicity and consistency, the Weightlessness switch stands out for its refined touch and auditory feedback, making it a favorable choice for those who appreciate an immersive typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Milk Tea switch employs a newer material that produces a bright sound signature, renowned for delivering resonant clacks during typing. This characteristic contrasts sharply with the Weightlessness, which utilizes nylon for its top housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic material in the keyboard community, offering a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. While both switches can evoke satisfying audio experiences, the Milk Tea's unique top housing creates a more pronounced, higher-pitched sound, while the Weightlessness's nylon top dampens the sound, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory output.
On the other hand, both the Milk Tea and Weightlessness switches feature nylon as their material for the bottom housing. This shared construction means that the bottom-out sound and overall feel when bottoming out the key will likely exhibit similar characteristics. The softness of nylon allows for significant sound absorption, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches when you press down on them. Because of this shared trait, users can expect a consistency in the tactile experience and acoustic response during the actuation of both switches, regardless of the differences in their top housings.
Ultimately, the interaction between the differing top materials and the uniformity of the nylon in both bottom housings leads to a nuanced typing experience in each switch. With the Milk Tea, typists may enjoy a pronounced audio pop during release, complemented by a rich bottoming sound due to its nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more subdued experience on release, yet still retains that satisfying, deep feel on bottom-out. Thus, while there are distinct differences at play, both switches showcase how varied materials can create a rich tapestry of auditory and tactile responses, enriching the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a notable difference in actuation force. The Outemu Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Gateron Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch is lighter, which may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for prolonged use, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. Both switches have unknown bottom out force values; however, since the actuation forces are specified, users can expect that even though the bottom out forces are unavailable, the general typing experience will feel distinct due to the difference in actuation weight. Thus, the Milk Tea switch stands out as the better option for those seeking a lighter touch, while the Weightlessness may cater to users who favor a more substantial and tactile feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Milk Tea boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in distance can significantly influence the typing experience: the Milk Tea switch provides a more substantial depth, which some users might prefer for a heartier feel, while the Weightlessness caters to those who favor faster response times due to its shorter travel, appealing particularly to gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for tactility and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 remains somewhat ambiguous as there is no specific description available to characterize its acoustic profile. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is known for its balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics. This balance creates a pleasant auditory experience, blending the sound of the keystroke with the tactile feedback, which is particularly appealing to users seeking an engaging typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not provide specific insights, leaving its tactile sensation open to interpretation. However, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a subtle to moderate tactile feel, making them suitable for those who enjoy a tactile response without overwhelming resistance. This moderate feedback can enhance typing precision and enjoyment, aligning well with users who appreciate a softer tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks detailed insights into its sound and feel qualities, the Gateron Weightlessness switch stands out with its balanced sound profile and moderate tactile feedback. For newcomers considering these switches, it's important to note that the overall typing experience will also depend heavily on the keyboard and keycap choices, which can significantly influence both sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch depends largely on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you appreciate a switch that delivers a subtle to moderate tactile feel and a balanced sound, the Gateron Weightlessness is the way to go. This makes it an excellent choice for general typing, where you want a satisfying experience without being overly loud or harsh. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the unique characteristics of the Milk Tea, which may offer a different tactile experience, you might be inclined to explore that option, especially if you're after something distinct in your build. Ultimately, both switches cater to specific preferences, so consider what you value more in your typing experience—whether it's the refined balance of the Weightlessness or the potential uniqueness of the Milk Tea.