Kailh Box White V2 vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between clicky and linear options can significantly affect your typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are well-regarded for their crisp tactile feedback and distinct audible click, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy pronounced keystrokes and a sensory typing experience. These switches cater to typists who appreciate the satisfying sound and feel of each press, boosting their productivity and engagement. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches from BSUN offer a different charm altogether; they present a unique auditory profile with a fairly high-pitched yet muted sound, striking a balance between presence and subtlety. The use of Ly for the stem material ensures that keystrokes feel smooth and effortless, appealing to gamers or typists who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Each switch offers distinct advantages based on personal preference, but 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
50g
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
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic makes the Box White V2 particularly appealing for users who appreciate a clear auditory feedback from their keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for those who want to showcase RGB lighting under their key switches, enhancing aesthetics and allowing for vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch uses a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. The unique acoustic properties of POM differ significantly from those of polycarbonate, establishing a more subdued experience that may appeal to users who desire a softer and less jarring auditory feedback while typing.
When examining the bottom housings of the Kailh Box White V2 and PH Studio Milk Tea switches, a contrasting yet complementary dynamic emerges. The Box White V2 features a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound waves. This results in a rounder and more pleasant feel when typing. Conversely, the Milk Tea switch's bottom housing is also made from POM, allowing it to maintain that signature muted sound characteristic while providing a smooth typing experience. Although both switches employ different top housing materials, the synergy between the nylon and POM in the Box White V2 enhances its crisper feedback, while the POM in the Milk Tea assures a cohesive, subdued resonance.
Ultimately, the overall sound and feel of each switch are shaped by a combination of the properties of both the top and bottom housings. In essence, while the Kailh Box White V2 and PH Studio Milk Tea utilize differing materials for their top housings—polycarbonate versus POM—their bottom housings serve to round out each switch's respective sound profile. This means the Box White V2's sharper auditory feedback paired with the nylon's depth leads to a typing experience that feels distinct, while the Milk Tea achieves a unique sound even with its POM components. Therefore, both use distinct combinations of materials to create their specific sound profiles, catering to different user preferences while proving that even dissimilar materials can yield satisfactory and engaging results depending on one's typing sensitivity and aesthetic preference.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milk Tea comes in lighter with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This makes the Milk Tea switch less forceful overall, catering to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Box White V2, with its heavier force, offers a more substantial push, which some typists might appreciate for the tactile feedback it provides. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch for comfort will find the PH Studio Milk Tea more appealing, whereas the Kailh Box White V2 suits those who desire a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users pressing down on either switch will experience an equivalent distance of key travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity allows for comparable feedback and response during typing, providing a consistent experience whether you prefer the tactile click of the Box White V2 or the smoothness of the Milk Tea linear switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, one can expect a similar feel and performance regardless of choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 switch stands out with its crisp tactile feedback and distinct audible click, providing a pronounced auditory cue that many typists find satisfying. This clicky sound is especially appealing to those who enjoy the traditional feedback of mechanical switches and can help with typing accuracy. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a fairly high-pitched sound, described as clacky and resonant. Its unique auditory profile manages to blend a sense of crispness with a muted characteristic, producing a clean and immersive typing experience without overwhelming noise. While both switches feature distinct sound profiles, the Box White V2 leans towards an assertive, clicky sound, whereas the Milk Tea maintains a subtler, more refined auditory output. However, it's essential to recognize that the sound experience of each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Kailh Box White V2 provides a traditional tactile switch experience with a pronounced actuation point, delivering satisfying feedback with each keystroke. However, specific details about its smoothness and refined qualities are unspecified. Conversely, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is characterized by its polished and silky feel, allowing for an exceptionally smooth typing experience that reduces friction and resistance. This results in a luxurious and effortless keystroke, a contrast to the more tactile nature of the Box White V2. The smoothness of the Milk Tea switch, enhanced by the materials and potentially factory lubrication, offers a typing feel that many users seeking a linear experience might find more appealing.
Ultimately, both the Kailh Box White V2 and PH Studio Milk Tea switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The Box White V2 excels in delivering a crisp, clicky sound with notable tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a traditional mechanical typing feel. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch offers a smooth, polished experience with a refined sound profile that caters to users seeking a linear feel. Depending on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you can achieve enjoyable results, albeit with distinct attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Kailh Box White V2 and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy tactile feedback and an audible click that adds a distinct auditory character to your typing experience, the Kailh Box White V2 is likely your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides a light touch while delivering satisfying resistance and pronounced feedback, making it suitable for typists who thrive on the engagement that clicky switches offer. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience with a more refined feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is an excellent choice. With its 43.5-gram actuation force and polished, silky texture, it promises an effortless keystroke with a gentle high-pitched sound that balances presence and subtlety. In essence, choose the Box White V2 for a lively, interactive typing experience, and opt for the Milk Tea for a seamless, whisper-quiet glide that remains sophisticated and enjoyable.
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