Huano Acacia vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often vary based on individual typing experiences and sound profiles. The Huano Acacia, renowned for its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, stands out by offering a smooth and satisfying typist experience right out of the box, with minimal stem wobble that enhances accuracy. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, introduces a distinctive auditory experience characterized by its high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a harmonious balance that appeals to those who appreciate both presence and subtlety; its Ly stem material further contributes to an effortlessly smooth keystroke. While both of these linear switches cater to the tactile preferences of gamers and typists alike, their unique qualities—enhanced stability in the Acacia versus the intricate sound design of the Milk Tea—make them appealing in different contexts. 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

Huano Acacia Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$3.39 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the PH Studio Milk Tea, we see a clear distinction in the materials that affect their overall sound profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s rigidity, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the audio produced. The translucency of polycarbonate not only contributes to a more vibrant sound experience but also complements RGB lighting well, making it a favored choice among users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Milk Tea uses a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which results in a sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively muted. While both materials serve to shape the auditory experience, they do so in markedly different ways — polycarbonate aims for clarity and brightness, whereas POM brings warmth and depth.

Delving into the bottom housings, a similar contrast emerges between the two models. The Acacia utilizes a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to produce a rounded and fuller sound profile that absorbs more noise due to its softer composition. This characteristic contributes to a cushioned feel when typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience while further deepening the acoustic output. Conversely, the Milk Tea also employs a POM bottom housing similar to its top counterpart, emphasizing a unique sound profile that remains deeper and more muted. This consistency in material between the top and bottom housings in the Milk Tea allows for a cohesive auditory experience that marries the distinct characteristics of POM throughout the entire switch.

Ultimately, the differences in material composition result in distinct sound signatures for each model, even though certain aspects overlap. The Huano Acacia’s combination of polycarbonate and nylon yields a sharper, crisper top sound with a deeper, fuller bottom response, while the PH Studio Milk Tea’s dual POM construction fosters a unique sound that is consistently deeper and more muted across the board. If the switch configuration were to feature the same material for both the top and bottom, one could achieve a sound profile that is both cohesive and unified. However, in their current forms, each switch's combination of materials shapes a unique typing experience distinctly characterized by the auditory signatures of their respective materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Acacia switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Milk Tea switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This difference in weight means that the Milk Tea switch is more suitable for those who type for extended periods due to its lighter feel, whereas the Acacia switch might appeal to users who prefer a slightly firmer experience. Consequently, if one is seeking a more substantial typing feel, the Acacia would be the better choice, while the Milk Tea is ideal for a lighter, more responsive touch. Overall, both switches offer a unique appeal, catering to different user preferences in key feel and force requirements.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. While both switches offer relatively short distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Milk Tea switch provides a marginally deeper press. For those who favor quick response times, the Acacia switch might be the better option, as its shorter travel distance could facilitate faster actuation suitable for gaming. Conversely, the Milk Tea switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced feel during key presses, offering a sense of depth that the Acacia lacks. Ultimately, individuals seeking a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback will find distinct nuances in these two switches based on their travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is generally appreciated for its balanced auditory profile. While specific descriptors for its sound are absent, it is designed to provide a pleasant typing experience, often characterized by a softer and more subdued sound which may appeal to those who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend, showcasing a distinctly high-pitched sound that is both clacky and resonant. This switch delivers a bright, crisp auditory feedback that can be described as marbly, creating an engaging and immersive typing sound that stands out among linear switches. The Milk Tea's refinement in sound makes it suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory presence.

Regarding feel, the Acacia linear switch delivers a smooth and reliable typing experience thanks to its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication, which helps to minimize stem wobble. This combination results in a typing feel that is comfortable and satisfying for prolonged use. The PH Studio Milk Tea switch, on the other hand, is characterized by its polished and silky finish, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The materials and lubrication used in the Milk Tea switches further enhance the effortless keystroke experience, minimizing friction and allowing for a fluid typing motion. While both switches prioritize a smooth feel, the Milk Tea's exceptionally refined design lifts its tactile quality to new heights.

In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. For those who favor a more relaxed auditory experience, the Acacia's pleasant acoustic profile serves well, while enthusiasts looking for crisp, resonant feedback might find the Milk Tea's high-pitched tones more appealing. In terms of tactile feedback, the Acacia provides a solid base experience, whereas the Milk Tea raises the bar with its polished and silky feel. Ultimately, regardless of which switch you choose, both options promise a satisfying typing experience, though the Milk Tea may deliver an edge in terms of sound and smoothness.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound, as well as your desired key weight. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a smooth, well-lubed experience right out of the box, the Acacia may be the switch for you. Its construction offers less stem wobble, resulting in a more stable and satisfying typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or both gaming and productivity. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter feel with a distinctly clacky, high-pitched sound profile that provides enjoyable auditory feedback, the Milk Tea switch is likely your best choice. Its silky smoothness and polished finish ensure keystrokes feel effortless, making it an excellent option for fast, responsive gameplay or a tactile typing style where subtle sound is preferred. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the atmosphere you want to create with your keyboard to determine which switch aligns with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more