Outemu Milk Tea vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, particularly when comparing options like the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, and the TTC Yunhai, a linear switch. The Milk Tea switch is designed to provide a satisfying tactile bump upon actuation, appealing to typists who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai is distinguished by its smooth linear action and light actuation force, offering a soft and effortless feel that is especially suited for users who favor quiet, uninterrupted typing sessions. While the Milk Tea engages typists with its tactile response, the Yunhai emphasizes fluidity and gentleness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Outemu Milk Tea and the TTC Yunhai switches reveal a fascinating contrast in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Milk Tea features a newer Ly top housing known for its bright sound signature, which produces resonant clacks when typing, ideal for those who appreciate an audible feedback when typing. This contrasts distinctly with the Yunhai's traditional nylon top housing, designed to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a more muted auditory experience. The different materials lead to a distinct divergence in the overall typing sound, as the Milk Tea appeals more to those who prefer a lively and sharp keystroke sound, while the Yunhai caters to individuals seeking a softer and rounder auditory feedback.
Interestingly, both switches sport nylon bottom housings, which share similar characteristics. The nylon material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound for both switches. This commonality means that the impact of the bottom housing on the overall sound profile is comparable between the two, as they both leverage the properties of nylon to dampen auditory signals, creating a solid base during typing. Thus, despite the contrasting qualities of their respective top housings, the bottoms will yield a similar experience in terms of sound and feel when the key is pressed down fully.
However, it is essential to consider how the differences in housing materials affect the overall typing experience. While both the Milk Tea and Yunhai switches share the same bottom housing material, the variance in top housing compositions plays a pivotal role in shaping the final sound profile experienced during a complete keystroke. When typing, the bright clack of the Milk Tea's top housing contrasts markedly with the softer, deeper tones of the Yunhai. Therefore, even though both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the unique attributes brought by their top housings lead to differentiated auditory outcomes, creating an entirely unique typing experience for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see some differences in their actuation forces and the information available regarding their bottom out forces. The Outemu Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier than the TTC Yunhai’s actuation force of 42 grams. This means that users may find the Milk Tea switch requires a bit more effort to press, potentially providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer feel. In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Tea lacks this measurement, while the Yunhai’s bottom out force is 50 grams, categorizing it as light. Consequently, for users looking for lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the TTC Yunhai would be the preferable choice due to its overall lower actuation and defined bottom out force. Users who appreciate a heftier switch might gravitate towards the Outemu Milk Tea for its stronger actuation force, although the uncertainty about its bottom out force keeps it from being fully comparable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and provides a deeper feel, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile response. Conversely, the Yunhai switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which may cater to those seeking faster response times and a quicker actuation, commonly favored by gamers. In this case, the Outemu Milk Tea switch is the longer option while the TTC Yunhai is the shorter one. Thus, users seeking a more responsive feel may gravitate towards the Yunhai, while those who appreciate a more substantial pressing experience might opt for the Milk Tea switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Milk Tea switch does not have a specific character highlighted, leaving its acoustic profile somewhat ambiguous. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is known for its deep, rounded sound profile, which contributes to a satisfying auditory experience when typing. The unique sound of the Yunhai can create an immersive atmosphere, especially when paired with the right keyboard construction and keycaps. Ultimately, while the Milk Tea's sound remains a mystery, the Yunhai offers a distinct auditory pleasure that typists can appreciate.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is not noted for any particular tactile quality, making it hard to gauge its touch experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai features an incredibly light actuation force that delivers a gentle and effortless typing experience. This allows typists to glide through keystrokes with minimal resistance, which can enhance speed and comfort during long typing sessions. Without additional information on the Milk Tea switch's tactile feedback, it's difficult to compare its feel directly, but the Yunhai clearly caters to those preferring light and smooth responsiveness.
In summary, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is recognized for its deep sound and incredibly light touch, making it an appealing option for those who enjoy a rich auditory experience and a smooth tactile feedback. The Outemu Milk Tea switch remains somewhat of an enigma in terms of both sound and feel, making it challenging for newcomers to form a clear preference based on available information. If one is exploring mechanical keyboards, trying both switches in person would provide the best insight into their respective qualities, as keyboard performance can heavily depend on personal experiences and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you appreciate tactile feedback and are looking for a more pronounced typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Outemu Milk Tea switch might be the way to go, especially if you enjoy a switch that adds a bit of character to each keystroke. Conversely, if you are drawn to a smoother, more fluid typing experience with a gentle actuation and a lighter bottom-out force, the TTC Yunhai linear switch would be an excellent choice. The Yunhai’s deep, rounded sound profile, paired with its incredibly light actuation force, is ideal for those who prioritize a seamless, effortless typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects of typing you find most enjoyable, whether it's the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea or the smoothness and lightness of the Yunhai.