Bsun Pine vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the BSUN Pine tactile switch to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Pine switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility for those who appreciate a distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch features a high-pitched yet muted sound and a lighter bottom-out force, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions. While both switches offer their own set of advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
In comparing the housing materials of the BSun Pine and the PH Studio Milk Tea, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing compositions. The Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials cater to different preferences in terms of sound quality, with the polycarbonate providing a higher-pitched sound and the POM offering a more subdued tone. Despite these differences, both materials are known for their durability and translucency, making them ideal for switches with RGB lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Pine utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for its softer composition, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder sound overall. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to the switch's unique sound profile, adding to the deeper and more muted tones. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, they ultimately serve to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
When considering how the top and bottom housings interact with each other within a switch, it is evident that each material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the BSun Pine and the PH Studio Milk Tea utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches offer a balance of sound qualities that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Whether one prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, more muted tone, both switches provide options for users seeking a unique typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 45 grams, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has an actuation force of 37.5 grams, making the Milk Tea lighter in this aspect. The bottom out force of the Pine is 65 grams, which is heavier than the Milk Tea's 43.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea is lighter both in actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Pine. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Pine due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Pine switch is the shorter of the two, with a slightly shallower travel distance compared to the Milk Tea switch. Gamers and those looking for faster response times may prefer the Pine switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who appreciate a more substantial key press may lean towards the Milk Tea switch for its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market, providing users with options for their preferred typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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 BSUN Pine tactile switch is known for its sharp and direct auditory feedback, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched tones with a muted quality, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Pine produces a distinctive and quick bottom-out sound, whereas the Milk Tea presents a more refined and balanced auditory profile. Both switches offer a satisfying sound experience, but the preference may depend on personal preference and other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine switch is characterized by its sharp and prominent tactile bump, delivering a quick and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a smooth and effortless typing feel, thanks to the use of Ly material for the stem and a lightweight actuation force of 43.5g. The Pine switch provides an invigorating and accented tactile feel, while the Milk Tea switch offers a polished and silky typing sensation. Both switches cater to different tactile preferences, so the choice between them will ultimately depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch each offer a unique typing experience with distinctive qualities in sound and feel. The Pine switch is best suited for those who seek a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, while the Milk Tea switch is ideal for users looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a balanced sound profile. Whether you prefer the direct tactility of the Pine or the refined feel of the Milk Tea, both switches are designed to enhance your typing comfort and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing nuances.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you value a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Pine switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a linear switch with a balance between presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences in terms of tactility, sound, and typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose the one that aligns with your preferences and typing needs.
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