Kailh Box Navy vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Navy and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer distinct experiences for users. The Box Navy is a clicky switch that provides a heavy typing experience with a signature sound and tactility reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Milk Tea is a linear switch that offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, perfect for prolonged typing sessions. If you prefer a sharp, resonant, and invigorating typing experience, the Box Navy may be the switch for you. However, if you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched, and polished feel while typing, the Milk Tea switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision on the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make an informed choice.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
90g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the PH Studio Milk Tea, one significant difference lies in their top housings. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness and ability to resonate clearly. Conversely, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy is likely to provide a crisper and more resonant typing experience compared to the Milk Tea's POM top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the Box Navy uses a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Milk Tea incorporates a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Both housings offer a unique typing experience, with nylon providing a deeper sound and POM adding to the overall richness of the typing sound.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Kailh Box Navy and the PH Studio Milk Tea differ in terms of top and bottom housings, they both aim to deliver a pleasing and unique sound profile. The polycarbonate and nylon materials used in the Box Navy lend to a sharper and more resonant typing experience, while the POM materials in the Milk Tea emphasize a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a deeper typing experience, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is clear that the Box Navy is the heavier option. The Box Navy has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is the lighter option, with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. Those who enjoy typing for longer periods of time or engaging in extended gaming sessions may find the lighter weight of the Milk Tea more comfortable. However, both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience, ensuring similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you will experience a similar key press feeling in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches. However, when compared to switches with longer or shorter travel distances, both the Box Navy and Milk Tea switches fall within the average range. Therefore, if you prefer a moderate travel distance that is neither too short nor too long, either of these switches would be a suitable choice for your keyboard setup.
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 Navy 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch showcases a resonant and crunchy sound profile, delivering a high-pitched and immersive auditory experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a clacky and marbly sound, combining sharp and clean tones with a subtle high-pitched essence for a unique auditory blend. Both switches provide distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Navy emphasizing a louder and more tactile experience compared to the Milk Tea's balanced and muted sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Box Navy switch is characterized by a sharp, invigorating, and stiff tactile feedback that offers a highly satisfying and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. While the Box Navy switch focuses on delivering a strong tactile bump and requiring a higher actuation force, the Milk Tea switch prioritizes effortless keystrokes and a comfortable typing experience ideal for extended use.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer contrasting yet equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer the heavy tactility and resonant sound of the Box Navy or the smooth key travel and gentle auditory balance of the Milk Tea, both switches cater to different typing preferences and usage scenarios. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a heavier typing experience with a loud clicky sound and strong tactile feedback, the Box Navy switches are a great choice for you. They provide a vintage feel reminiscent of older buckling spring keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a quieter, high-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience, the Milk Tea switches are tailored to meet your needs. Their lower bottom-out force and use of Ly material for the stem ensure a comfortable typing experience for extended periods. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize typing feel and sound profile or prefer a softer, smoother typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing habits for an optimal keyboarding experience.
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