Keygeek Briny vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences and typing experiences can significantly influence your decision. The Keygeek Briny, known for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, delivers a balanced sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a more neutral auditory experience while typing. This switch is ideal for individuals seeking a dependable, straightforward option without any overpowering acoustics. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea, crafted by BSUN, offers a unique blend of auditory characteristics—its fairly high-pitched yet muted sound creates a gentle yet engaging typing experience. With its Ly stem material, the Milk Tea switch ensures that every keystroke feels smooth and effortless, catering to users who enjoy a richer, more textured sound. While both switches are linear and have their distinct advantages, they serve different types of users with varying auditory preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Keygeek Briny Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer intriguing contrasts that impact the overall sound profile and tactile experience of each switch. The Briny's nylon top housing is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound effectively. This results in a sound that is duller and rounder, making it particularly appealing for users seeking a richer auditory typing experience. Conversely, the Milk Tea's POM top housing, while also contributing to a deeper sound, is noted for its unique and pleasing tonal qualities. Although both materials aim for a muted sound profile, POM offers a distinct auditory experience that may be perceived as sharper or crisper compared to the classic warmth of nylon.

Examining the bottom housing, we see that the Keygeek Briny again uses nylon, mirroring the attributes found in its top housing. Like its counterpart, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller auditory profile, enhancing the dullness and roundness of sound when keys bottom out. In contrast, the Milk Tea employs POM for its bottom housing, which also enables a muted sound, albeit with a different acoustic texture. While both switches ultimately strive for a deeper and more muted auditory experience, the differences in material composition result in unique interactions with the sound depending on housing placement. The POM bottom housing might provide a more nuanced effect when striking the keys, yet falls in line with the Briny's pursuit of sound dampening.

While the housing materials of the Briny and Milk Tea differ, achieving a similar sound quality is still achievable due to their shared characteristics. Both switches emphasize a deep sound profile, though the nuances differ; the Briny's nylon presents a more traditional auditory warmth while the Milk Tea's POM offers a unique crispness. The distribution of sound qualities between top and bottom housings—which deeply influences keypress feedback—means that users may find satisfaction in both despite the inherent differences in material. When pressed, the nylon and POM switch housings provide more than just a contrast; they harmoniously blend technical craftsmanship with auditory satisfaction, enabling typists and gamers alike to enjoy an immersive experience.

Weight

The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to varying preferences among users. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight switch ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch features a lighter actuation force at 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a more suitable choice for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. This comparison indicates that the Briny switch offers a heavier feel, while the Milk Tea is the lighter option. Since the forces differ between the two switches, users can expect distinct tactile experiences; those opting for the Briny will enjoy a firmer resistance, whereas the Milk Tea provides a more effortless keypress.

Travel distance

Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equivalence means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch, leading to a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, enthusiasts looking for a particular actuation feel would find comparable results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom during usage.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for producing a balanced sound profile, which is likely subtle and refined, ensuring that it won't be overly intrusive during use. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a distinctive auditory signature that includes high-pitched, clacky, and resonant qualities. The Milk Tea switch's sound is both crisp and bright, defined by a marbly resonance that enhances its presence while still being somewhat muted. This contrast means that if you’re after a lively auditory experience, the Milk Tea switch could be more appealing, but those preferring a balanced sound will find satisfaction with the Briny.

When examining the feel, the Briny switch lacks detailed descriptions, leaving its tactile qualities somewhat of a mystery. Meanwhile, the Milk Tea switch offers a luxurious typing experience characterized by its polished and silky feel. Users can expect a smooth and refined keystroke with reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance during key presses. The lack of information on the Briny's tactile characteristics offers limited comparison, but if it is similarly designed with smoothness in mind, it may also provide a high-quality feel.

In summary, the Keygeek Briny linear switch stands out with its balanced sound profile that caters to those who seek a subtler auditory experience, while the PH Studio Milk Tea switch emphasizes a more vibrant sound with its clacky and high-pitched qualities. The Milk Tea’s superior feel offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, contrasting with the unknown attributes of the Briny's tactile feedback. If you prioritize a lively sound and a luxurious typing feel, the Milk Tea is likely the better choice, but for those who prefer a more neutral experience, the Briny might still yield similar results.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you desire. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a balanced sound profile, the Briny will likely be your go-to option. It suits typists looking for a harmonious typing experience with a sound that doesn’t overwhelm. On the other hand, if you enjoy a light touch with a markedly smooth feel, then the Milk Tea switch stands out with its low actuation force of 43.5 grams and silky, polished keystrokes. The Milk Tea's unique auditory characteristics are perfect for those who appreciate a clacky and resonant sound, offering a vibrant yet nuanced auditory experience. Consider what matters most to you in terms of actuation force, sound, and feel—will you prioritize a medium resistance with a balanced sound or a lighter touch with high-pitched, resonant auditory feedback? This consideration will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Keygeek Briny Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more