Akko Botany vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko Botany switches and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches, both of which fall under the category of linear switches, enthusiasts will find interesting contrasts and similarities that cater to varying user preferences. The Botany switch is celebrated for its lively, crisp clack that resonates with each keystroke, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch by PH Studio strikes a unique balance with its high-pitched sound that remains subtly muted, offering a smoother, more refined experience thanks to the Ly material used in its stem. This design creates an effortless typing sensation that is highly sought after for prolonged use and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: whether you enjoy a more vibrant and pronounced soundscape with the Akko Botany or a polished and silky typing experience with the Milk Tea. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and PH Studio Milk Tea switches utilize different housing materials, namely nylon for the Botany and POM for the Milk Tea, which contributes to their individual sound profiles. The nylon used in the Akko Botany is recognized as a classic switch housing material. Its softer composition leads to a deeper and fuller sound, effectively absorbing sound waves and resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the focus of the Milk Tea's POM housing is on producing a unique and pleasing sound that is also deep but tends to be more muted. The softer nature of nylon enables the Botany to excel in sound absorption, contrasting with the POM's capability to generate a distinct auditory character through its different density and texture.
When examining the bottom housings, we see a similar trend. The Botany's nylon bottom housing maintains the same sound-absorbing characteristics, again producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is bottomed out. Meanwhile, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing, like its top counterpart, yields a deeper sound that is notably muted. This creates a scenario where each switch offers a sound profile that is pleasant and unique, though their tonal characteristics will slightly diverge due to the inherent differences in materials. Thus, the sensation of bottoming out a key will also feel distinct based on which housing material is at play, underpinning the necessity of considering both the top and bottom housing materials in auditory performance evaluation.
Despite the distinct materials used in the Akko Botany and PH Studio Milk Tea, they both achieve somewhat similar outcomes in terms of sound depth and quality. The nylon in the Botany gives it a robust auditory profile with high absorption levels, while the POM of the Milk Tea yields a unique and pleasing sound, albeit more muted. This delineation highlights how different materials can evoke similar auditory experiences under different conditions. Ultimately, while users might experience variations in sound and feel between the two switches, the underlying principle for both remains that the combination of material attributes can yield fulfilling results, fostering distinct but harmonizing auditory experiences in the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, both switches exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Milk Tea switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. While the actuation forces are close, the Milk Tea switch is marginally lighter overall. In terms of bottom out force, the Botany switch is heavier by 1.5 grams. Therefore, those seeking a lighter feel for prolonged use might lean towards the Milk Tea switch, while those desiring a bit more resistance when bottoming out may prefer the Botany switch. Both options provide a comfortable typing experience, but users can expect a similar tactile response given their closely aligned specifications.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means users will experience a similar feel when pressing down on the keys. This equality in travel distance indicates that both switches will provide comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness, making them excellent choices for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. Since the travel distances are identical, users can expect similar results in terms of keystroke performance between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany switches are well-regarded for their crisp and lively clacky sound, which contributes to a bright and energetic auditory feedback during typing. This sharp, percussive quality makes them enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer a unique sound profile that combines high-pitched clarity with a muted undertone, creating a balanced auditory experience that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. Their sound can be characterized by a refined resonance, hinting at an almost marbly quality. This distinction in sound profiles means that users wanting a sharper and more engaging experience might gravitate towards the Botany, while those preferring nuanced and softer sounds may favor the Milk Tea.
When it comes to feel, the Botany switches lack specific descriptors in this context, making it hard to ascertain their tactile experience directly. In contrast, the Milk Tea switches excel in providing a polished and silky typing feel. This smooth and refined experience is a result of either high-quality materials or effective factory lubricating processes, leading to reduced friction and effortless key travel. If the Botany switches do not match this level of smoothness, the Milk Tea switches will likely cater better to users who prioritize a polished, low-resistance typing experience.
In summary, the Akko Botany linear switches deliver a crisp, lively, and clacky sound profile that can energize typing, while the PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer a unique high-pitched auditory experience paired with a muted quality, creating a gentle balance. With the Milk Tea switches also providing a notably polished and silky feel, they present an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious typing experience. Depending on your auditory preferences and tactile needs, both switch types can provide satisfying results, but the distinct qualities of each may cater to different facets of the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a more vibrant auditory experience with a lively, clacky sound right from the start, the Botany switch would be an excellent choice. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 45 grams will likely provide a satisfying tactile response for those who prefer a bit more feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother, more polished typing feel, the Milk Tea switch is designed for you. With its silky touch and slightly lighter bottom-out force of 43.5 grams, it offers an effortless keystroke that can be especially appealing for long typing sessions or those who value a quieter, subtle sound profile. Ultimately, both switches are light and offer their unique auditory flavors, so your decision should hinge on whether you lean towards bold clacks or a refined, gentle symphony while you type.
Mentioned in this article
