KTT Ash Gray vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the PH Studio Milk Tea stand out as unique options with distinct characteristics. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch that offers a satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming, boasting a light touch and crisp actuation. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a linear switch known for its unique auditory blend and accessible bottom-out, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. While the Ash Gray is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Milk Tea is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
38g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile with its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Milk Tea features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both materials offer a pleasing sound experience, with the polycarbonate providing a more resonant sound ideal for RGB lighting, while the POM offers a more subdued and unique sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Ash Gray incorporates a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. While the Ash Gray's bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, the Milk Tea's POM housing adds to the overall deep and unique sound experience of the switch.
In terms of overall feel and sound impact, the differences in housing materials between the KTT Ash Gray and the PH Studio Milk Tea are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea is the lighter option. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Tea, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. However, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Ash Gray for its slightly heavier bottom out force. In either case, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the differences in force catering to individual preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Ash Gray or the Milk Tea, you can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we can see that the Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for faster response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, as they will likely get similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference; those seeking a slightly longer travel distance may opt for the PH Studio Milk Tea, while those looking for a slightly shorter travel distance may prefer the KTT Ash Gray.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral experience with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, offering a balance between presence and subtlety. Whether you prefer a neutral sound or a more distinctive clacky and high-pitched sound, both switches bring their own charm to the typing experience and can be enhanced further by your choice of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch provides an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable, ideal for extended typing sessions. It also offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe, middle-ground zone. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch boasts a polished and silky feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether you prefer a gentle resistance with easy actuation or a silky smooth typing experience, both switches cater to different preferences and can enhance your overall typing comfort.
Overall, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer contrasting yet appealing qualities in both sound and feel. The Ash Gray provides a neutral sound profile and easy-to-press feel, perfect for a versatile typing experience, while the Milk Tea offers a unique high-pitched sound and polished, silky feel for a more distinctive typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches bring their own strengths to the table and can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup to suit your typing needs.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a tactile response that strikes a balance between noticeable feedback and a light touch, the Ash Gray switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and polished typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a linear feel, the Milk Tea switch could be the ideal option. Both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to consider which qualities align best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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