Kailh Box Royal vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal is renowned for its unparalleled tactile feedback, providing a sharp, binary tactility that is ideal for those seeking a highly responsive typing experience. With a higher-pitched sound profile, these switches are perfect for users who appreciate a more aggressive feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its harmonious blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, offering a subtle balance between presence and subtlety. Designed with a light bottom-out force and utilizing Ly for a smooth keystroke, the Milk Tea switch is tailored for extended typing sessions. 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
45g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and the PH Studio Milk Tea both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and more muted compared to nylon. While both switches aim to provide a full sound experience, the choice between nylon and POM housing ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound.
One key difference between the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the PH Studio Milk Tea is the impact each housing has on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. With the nylon bottom housing of the Box Royal, users can expect a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys, while the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to a more muted sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can greatly influence the tactile feedback and overall typing experience for each switch, catering to different preferences for key feel and sound.
Although the top housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the PH Studio Milk Tea differ, both switches allow users to experience a unique sound profile that complements their typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal creates a deeper and fuller sound when letting go of a key, while the POM top housing of the Milk Tea contributes to a relatively more muted sound. Despite this difference, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective top housing materials playing a significant role in the overall sound quality of the switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea is the lighter option overall. The Box Royal has a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea boasts a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. While the Box Royal offers a heavier feel, the Milk Tea provides a more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches require the same amount of distance to travel from the top to the bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of the travel distance on both switches. The similarity in travel distance also indicates that both switches may provide consistent tactile feedback and actuation points, making them equally suitable for typing or gaming purposes. Overall, while there may be differences in other aspects of these switches, their travel distance is one aspect where they are equal.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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 Royal tactile switch is known for its high-pitched and sharp sound when pressed, creating a distinct audio feedback. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a unique blend of high-pitched sound with a muted essence, offering a balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch is also described as clacky, marbly, and resonant, providing a sharp, bright, and percussive sound experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by its sharp and intense tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The use of Ly for the stem material in the Milk Tea switch enhances the ease of keystrokes, making it suitable for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal provides a sharp and aggressive tactility with a high-pitched sound profile, while the Milk Tea presents a balance between high-pitched sound and muted essence, along with a polished and silky typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a highly tactile typing experience with a sharp and binary tactility, then the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, creating a satisfying typing feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. With a bottom out force of 43.5 grams and a unique auditory blend that combines a high-pitched sound with a muted essence, the Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a strong tactile feel or a smoother and lighter typing experience.
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