Durock Black Lotus vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for a comfortable typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between substantial feedback and not being too heavy. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. It has a lighter 43.5g bottom-out force, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Both switches have their own set of characteristics that may appeal to different users based on their 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

Durock Black Lotus Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Durock Black Lotus and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Black Lotus features a Modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium feel, while the Milk Tea uses a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Black Lotus utilizes a nylon material that elicits a fuller and deeper sound profile, while the Milk Tea also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a similarly pleasing sound experience.

While the top housings of the Black Lotus and Milk Tea switches offer different characteristics, the bottom housings play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea produces a similarly deep and muted sound. The choice of bottom housing material impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches, showcasing the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials in switch design.

Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the PH Studio Milk Tea may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics in their housing materials that result in a premium typing experience. Whether you prefer the deeper and fuller sound of the nylon bottom housing in the Black Lotus or the more muted sound of the POM bottom housing in the Milk Tea, both switches are designed to provide a pleasing and satisfying typing experience that enthusiasts will appreciate.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that they offer different weight preferences for users. The Black Lotus has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch has a lower actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, categorizing it as a lighter option. This means that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Milk Tea offers a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Black Lotus switch. A difference of 0.4 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. Shorter travel distances are often preferred by those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers, while longer travel distances may be favored by individuals who enjoy a more tactile and satisfying typing feel. Both switches offer a comfortable travel distance, but choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for typing or gaming style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for its unique light column that provides in-switch lighting, creating a distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, offering a delicate balance between presence and subtlety during typing. The Black Lotus may provide a more visually enhanced sound experience, while the Milk Tea focuses on a more subtle and nuanced sound profile, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch boasts a silky smooth typing experience with unparalleled precision, thanks to reduced housing and stem wobble. Its 55g actuation weight strikes a balance between substantial and manageable, offering a comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is designed with prolonged typing sessions in mind, featuring a bottom-out force of just 43.5g. The use of Ly for the stem material enhances the typing experience, ensuring effortless keystrokes. Both switches are described as polished and silky, promising a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Black Lotus may offer a slightly firmer typing experience, while the Milk Tea prioritizes ease of use for long typing sessions.

In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Black Lotus presents a visually enhanced sound experience with a smooth and substantial typing feel, while the Milk Tea focuses on a delicate balance between high-pitched yet muted sound and effortless typing comfort. Both switches are described as polished and silky, promising a refined typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. Depending on personal preferences for sound profile and typing feel, users can achieve similar satisfying results with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a smooth, precise typing experience with in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom-out force and a switch designed for prolonged typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch with its unique auditory blend and ease of keystrokes may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on factors such as actuation force, typing feel, and sound profile that align with your personal preferences and typing habits.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more