Durock Blue Lotus vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the PH Studio Milk Tea stand out for their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, thanks in part to its reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a marked tactile feel, enhanced by its detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch from PH Studio, manufactured by BSUN, offers a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched yet muted sound profile. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g, it is designed for prolonged typing sessions, further enhanced by the use of Ly stem material for effortless keystrokes. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and PH Studio Milk Tea both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The Blue Lotus utilizes a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium and unique feel to the switch. In comparison, the Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a pleasing and deep sound profile that is relatively more muted. While both switches offer unique characteristics, the Blue Lotus's top housing may offer a different tactile experience compared to the Milk Tea's top housing due to the materials used.
On the bottom housing side, the Blue Lotus features a nylon bottom housing that offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, creating a pleasant typing experience. Despite using different materials, both switches offer a similar sound profile that caters to those looking for a quieter typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and PH Studio Milk Tea play a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. While the Blue Lotus features a blend of Modified PC and UPE for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the Milk Tea utilizes POM for both top and bottom housings. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a premium feel or a deeper, muted sound, both the Blue Lotus and Milk Tea provide a high-quality typing experience that enthusiasts can appreciate.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, which has an actuation force of 37.5 grams, making the Milk Tea switch lighter. In terms of bottom out force, the Blue Lotus requires 65 grams to fully press the key, while the Milk Tea only needs 43.5 grams, also making the Milk Tea switch lighter. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Milk Tea switch, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier actuation and bottom out force of the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users looking for a faster response time. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these switches for their quick actuation. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a relatively short distance compared to more traditional switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
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
In terms of sound, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is characterized as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique blend of clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sounds, combining sharpness with a clean and sharp auditory experience. Depending on personal preference and other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices, users can tailor their sound experience accordingly.
When it comes to feel, the Blue Lotus switch is known for its accented, snappy, and stepped qualities, providing a tactile experience that is responsive and engaging without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback, allowing users to customize their typing feel to suit their needs.
In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both provide quality performance and aesthetics for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a bassy and snappy tactile switch or a clacky and polished linear switch, both options offer a unique typing experience that can be further enhanced by key factors like keycap choices and keyboard setups. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying results from either switch based on their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a marked tactile feel with snappiness, the Blue Lotus switch is the way to go. Additionally, if you appreciate vibrant RGB illumination and swift responsiveness, the Blue Lotus switch is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, the Milk Tea switch is the perfect match. The Milk Tea switch is also designed for prolonged typing sessions, offering an effortless keystroke experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing preferences and the specific qualities each switch has to offer.
Mentioned in this article
