Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Outemu Milk Tea. The Dustproof Purple is a clicky switch, while the Milk Tea is a tactile switch. The Dustproof Purple is known for its satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, making it a great option for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a tactile bump without the audible click, providing a quieter typing experience while still offering tactile feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Outemu Milk Tea lies in their top housings. The Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates with clarity. This material is especially suitable for switches intended for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Milk Tea boasts a Ly top housing, a newer material that produces a brighter sound signature with resonant clacks while typing. While both materials provide distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Dustproof Purple leans towards a crisper sound, while the Ly housing of the Milk Tea offers a more vibrant typing experience.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Dustproof Purple and the Milk Tea utilize nylon material. This classic switch housing material is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Therefore, when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings, users can expect a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with different bottom housing materials. While both switches offer similar sound profiles with their nylon bottom housings, the impact of this material is felt more when bottoming out keys during typing, as it influences the overall sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and Milk Tea switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound and typing experience of a mechanical keyboard switch. While the Dustproof Purple's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing offers a brighter and more resonant typing experience. Both switches share the use of nylon bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is enhanced when typing. By understanding the qualities of each housing material, users can choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and tactile feedback while typing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch differ in weight. The Dustproof Purple has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Milk Tea would be the better choice, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple offers a more substantial push feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. Whether the force needed to bottom out on the Milk Tea is greater, similar, or less compared to the Dustproof Purple remains unknown, but overall, both switches offer unique typing experiences catered to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a consistent amount of travel before actuation. The similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key feel and feedback. It is worth noting that this comparison focuses solely on the travel distance of the switches, with other factors such as actuation force and sound also playing a role in the overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $3.10. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Dustproof Purple and Milk Tea.
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 Dustproof Purple clicky switch is known for its loud and crisp click sound, providing an audible confirmation for each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtle tactile bump, offering a more subdued typing experience. The sound produced by both switches will be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
In regard to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is characterized by a light and tactile typing experience, requiring minimal force to actuate the keys. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch provides a more pronounced tactile bump with a slightly heavier actuation force, offering a distinct feedback with each keypress. The feel of both switches will ultimately play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience for the user.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that these switches cater to different preferences. While the Dustproof Purple excels in providing a satisfying click sound with light tactile feedback, the Milk Tea offers a quieter typing experience with a more pronounced tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing habits. It is worth noting that regardless of the choice made, both switches will deliver reliable performance and durability, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you'll want to opt for the Dustproof Purple if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clicky sound. This switch is best known for its durability and resistance to dust. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and a tactile feel, the Milk Tea might be the better choice for you. It is best known for its unique name and tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for key feel and sound, as both switches offer different qualities and typing experiences.
Mentioned in this article
