Gateron Aliaz vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and PH Studio Milk Tea offer distinct experiences for users. The Aliaz switch is perfect for those who value a quiet typing experience, ideal for office settings, with its medium-heavy weight providing a satisfying feel to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its unique auditory blend, combining a high-pitched sound with a muted essence for a balanced typing experience. While the Aliaz switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Milk Tea switch aims to provide effortless keystrokes with its low bottom-out force. 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
60g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the PH Studio Milk Tea, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates well. On the other hand, the Milk Tea uses a POM top and bottom housing, offering a deeper and more muted sound experience. While the Aliaz's polycarbonate housing results in a clearer sound, the Milk Tea's POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side.
Despite their differences in sound profile, both the Gateron Aliaz and the PH Studio Milk Tea utilize the respective materials of polycarbonate and POM in their housing to enhance the overall typing experience. The Aliaz's polycarbonate top and bottom housing create a more resonant and crisper sound, ideal for those who enjoy a sharper typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea's POM housing provides a more muted sound that is pleasing to the ears and offers a unique typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, showcasing the versatility of different housing materials.
While the Gateron Aliaz and the PH Studio Milk Tea differ in their housing materials, they both prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback in their design. The use of polycarbonate in the Aliaz switch results in a stiffer plastic that produces a clearer and sharper sound, particularly noticeable when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the Milk Tea's POM housing offers a deeper and more muted sound that is apparent when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the material used in their housing, catering to a variety of preferences in sound and feel for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that their actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly. The Aliaz has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Milk Tea features a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. The Aliaz switch provides a more tactile and pronounced typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Milk Tea switch offers a smoother and lighter keystroke for a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Aliaz offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Tea, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or individuals looking for quicker response times. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Aliaz being slightly longer and the Milk Tea being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience suitable for office settings or environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique auditory blend with a higher-pitched, yet muted sound, providing a balance between presence and subtlety. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Aliaz described as silky and polished, while the Milk Tea is also noted for its polished and silky feel. While the sound and feel of the two switches may differ slightly, users can expect a similar level of smoothness and quality in their typing experience from both options. Ultimately, the choice between the Aliaz and Milk Tea switches will come down to individual preference for sound and desired tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and your desired typing experience. If you work in a quiet office setting and prefer a medium-heavy key press with subtle feedback, the Aliaz switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a lighter key press for extended typing sessions and enjoy a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, the Milk Tea switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Make sure to weigh these factors carefully before making your selection to ensure the best typing experience for your needs.
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