Kailh Berry vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Kailh Berry and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch is praised for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, chalk-like texture, and deep sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a textured and low-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound, accessible bottom-out force of 43.5g, and the use of Ly for the stem material, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke. While the Berry switch offers a bassy typing experience, the Milk Tea switch delivers a clacky and resonant feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on your preference for sound profile, tactile feedback, and 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
N/A
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Berry and PH Studio Milk Tea switches both contribute to unique sound profiles, but they do so in different ways. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant profile. In contrast, the Milk Tea's POM top housing results in a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience. However, both switches aim to provide a pleasing sound for users, with the Berry emphasizing clarity and brightness while the Milk Tea focuses on depth and richness.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Kailh Berry's nylon bottom housing and PH Studio Milk Tea's POM bottom housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound in the Berry switch, while the POM housing of the Milk Tea also adds to its muted and deep sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings work to enhance the overall auditory experience of the switches, ensuring a satisfying typing sound for users.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in both the Kailh Berry and PH Studio Milk Tea switches results in unique and enjoyable sound profiles. While the Berry's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Berry and POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea both contribute to a fuller sound experience, with each switch aiming to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, while there are differences in the housing materials used, both switches deliver quality sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to users. The Kailh Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of pressure required to fully press the key. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch has a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, which is much lighter. In terms of actuation force, the Kailh Berry switch does not specify a force, whereas the Milk Tea switch requires 37.5 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Milk Tea switch lighter overall compared to the Berry switch, providing a smoother and easier typing experience for those who prefer lighter key presses. The Kailh Berry switch, with its medium-heavy bottom out force, may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing dynamics and finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Berry linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get a similar tactile experience when using either switch, with no significant differences in key feel based on this factor. Overall, despite any other distinctions between the two switches, the travel distance remains the same, providing users with a consistent typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
The Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deep and mellow tone during key presses. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp and crisp, providing a clean and resonant auditory experience. While the Berry switch offers a springy and chalk-like textured typing experience, the Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky feel, providing a smooth and refined typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, with the Berry switch leaning towards a deeper and textured typing experience, while the Milk Tea switch focuses on a high-pitched and polished sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, the Kailh Berry linear switch is a great choice. The Berry switch offers a deep sound profile with low-pitched and bassy characteristics, perfect for those who prefer a more mellow and rich tone. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth, refined typing experience, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is the way to go. The Milk Tea switch provides a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched, clacky sound that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. With its polished and silky feel, the Milk Tea switch is ideal for prolonged typing sessions and offers effortless keystrokes. Consider your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force when choosing between these two switches, and you will find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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