Outemu Milk Tea vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Milk Tea and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch is a tactile option that provides a satisfying bump at the actuation point, appealing to typists and gamers alike who enjoy the feedback on each keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) is a linear switch that boasts a smoother keypress without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. The Xinhai (Heavy) features a unique PA12 top housing that enhances acoustic performance, combined with a POM stem that delivers a refined, higher-pitched resonance. While the Milk Tea caters to tactile lovers with its reactivity and pronounced bump, the Xinhai stands out for its sleek operation and subtle sophistication. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch, it's essential to note the distinct characteristics of their top housings. The Milk Tea features a newer material that provides a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks during typing. This contrasts with the nylon top housing of the Xinhai (Heavy), which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. The key difference here lies in the auditory feedback each housing material offers: the Milk Tea's top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of typing sounds, while the Xinhai's nylon top generates a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. Therefore, the choice between these two switches significantly impacts the typist's auditory perception.
In regard to the bottom housings, both the Milk Tea and the Xinhai (Heavy) utilize nylon materials, which are known for their sound-dampening properties. This shared use of nylon means both switches will elicit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed, attributable to the material's ability to absorb sound rather than bounce it back. As a result, both switches may provide more of a consistent typing experience in terms of sound when a key bottoms out, leading to a blend of resonance from the upper and muted tones from the lower housing when engaged. The softness of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a duller and rounder feel, reinforcing the tactile feedback when a key is fully pressed.
In summary, while both the Outemu Milk Tea and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) employ nylon for their bottom housings, the differentiation arises primarily from their top housings. The Milk Tea's bright material encourages more resonant sounds, whereas the Xinhai's nylon offers a softer, rounder auditory profile. This combination of housing materials results in a varied typing experience: the Milk Tea focuses on sound clarity through its top housing, while the Xinhai provides a more subdued, rich auditory experience. Despite these differences in top material, both switches converge in their bottom-out sound due to their shared nylon composition, thus delivering a cohesive bottoming-out experience for users who prioritize a deep and full acoustic signature.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it a lighter option, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, such as during long work days or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, offering a firmer push that might be preferred by those seeking a more substantial typing feel. Furthermore, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unavailable, the Xinhai (Heavy) is specified to have a bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Xinhai switch not only requires more force to activate a keystroke but also to fully depress, making it the heavier of the two options. In summary, the Milk Tea is lighter and better suited for extended use, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) provides a stronger typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a firmer feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Milk Tea switch offers a more pronounced keypress, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, allows for quicker key actuation, making it a preferable choice for gamers or anyone seeking fast response times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: if you prefer a more robust typing experience, the Milk Tea’s longer travel is ideal, whereas if you lean towards rapid responsiveness, the shorter travel of the Xinhai (Heavy) might suit you better.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) 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
The Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have a specified sound profile, indicating that it may be relatively neutral or lacking distinctive auditory characteristics commonly associated with tactile switches. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch is known for its refined sound, featuring a PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustic profile, while its POM stem produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This combination results in a sound that is both sophisticated and precise, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a distinct auditory feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch's characteristics remain unspecified, leaving it unclear how it compares to other tactile options. The Xinhai (Heavy), on the other hand, presents a notably heavier actuation force, which might provide a more deliberate typing experience. This increased resistance is designed for users who prefer a substantial feel while typing, adding a sense of confidence and control with each keystroke. The tactile feedback of a switch is also influenced by its design elements, making the Xinhai (Heavy) potentially more suited for focused typing sessions that require precision.
In summary, while the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks defined qualities in sound and feel, it may cater to those who prefer a more understated experience. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch stands out with its crisp sound profile and heavier actuation, appealing to users seeking a more tactile and precise typing experience. If a user favors either sound or feel that’s close to one of these switches, they might still achieve a level of satisfaction by carefully selecting keycaps and a compatible keyboard that complements their chosen switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you prefer a switch that offers a softer touch and a tactile feel that gently guides you through each keystroke, the Milk Tea may be ideal for you. It's particularly suitable for typing long documents or for those who appreciate a more relaxed typing experience without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced actuation point and satisfying feedback during both typing and gaming, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch would be the better option. With its medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, it provides a solid and responsive feel, making it a favorite among gamers and touch typists alike who crave precision and stability. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—casual typing versus intensive gaming—and choose accordingly to ensure the best experience for your needs.
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