Kailh Box Jade vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it's clear that both have their own unique characteristics and advantages. The Box Jades are perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfyingly clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a fairly high-pitched yet muted sound profile, with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. While the Box Jades are known for their crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, the Milk Tea switch boasts an accessible bottom-out resistance and effortless keystrokes thanks to the use of Ly for the stem material. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and PH Studio Milk Tea switches both offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for those looking for a high-pitched typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM top housing generates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different typing experience for users. While the top housings differ between the two switches, both provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Kailh Box Jade utilizes nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder typing experience for users. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, aligning with the overall sound signature of the switch. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches share a similar typing experience due to the qualities brought by their respective bottom housings.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and PH Studio Milk Tea switches ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the Box Jade offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Milk Tea provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, thanks to their unique housing materials combining to create distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer a crisp, resonant sound or a deeper, more muffled one, both switches offer a variety of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Jade has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. These variances in force can impact the typing experience significantly, with the Box Jade offering a more substantial push feel, while the Milk Tea allows for longer typing sessions with its lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you can expect a consistent travel distance experience. Notably, both switches offer a standard distance that is neither shorter nor longer than the other, making them equally efficient in providing a tactile response while typing or gaming. So, whether you choose the Box Jade clicky switch or the Milk Tea linear switch, you can be assured of similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer different auditory experiences. The Box Jade switch is known for its high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, providing sharp and crisp clicks that are reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch boasts a unique blend of high-pitched, clacky, marbly, and resonant tones, creating a balanced sound that is both present and subtle. Both switches offer distinctive sound qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on the user's preference, with the Box Jade leaning towards a more traditional clicky sound and the Milk Tea providing a more nuanced auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch diverge in their tactile experiences. The Box Jade switch is described as accented and invigorating, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still offers a satisfying feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is characterized by its polished and silky feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences, with the Box Jade focusing on a more pronounced feedback and the Milk Tea emphasizing a smoother typing feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch showcase distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade delivers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile along with an invigorating tactile experience, ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing sensation with crisp clicks. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch presents a balanced blend of high-pitched and clacky tones, paired with a polished and silky smooth feel, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions with a focus on comfort and ease of use. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing style, but both options offer a unique and enjoyable typing experience tailored to different needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and crisp tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches are the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a unique auditory blend with a muted essence, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to your personal typing style and sound preference. Whether you opt for the Box Jade for its crunchy clicks or the Milk Tea for its polished and silky feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to different preferences. Choose wisely based on what best fits your typing needs and preferences.
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