HMX Cheese vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the PH Studio Milk Tea are two popular options to consider. The Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend, combining a high-pitched sound with a muted essence for a balanced typing experience. The Cheese switch is lighter than 90% of all switches, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Milk Tea switch boasts an accessible bottom-out of just 43.5g, making it ideal for prolonged 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
43g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the PH Studio Milk Tea, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Cheese employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Milk Tea utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, creating a more muted and pleasing sound. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings of the Cheese and Milk Tea switches contributes to the overall typing experience. The qualities brought by the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In comparison, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This split in housing materials allows for a more nuanced typing experience, catering to users who value both the sound and feel of their switches.
While the Cheese and Milk Tea switches utilize different housing materials, both switches ultimately aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The nylon top and bottom housings of the Cheese create a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea produce a more muted and pleasing sound. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches offer a unique sound experience that sets them apart from other switches on the market. Ultimately, whether one prefers the deeper sound of the Cheese or the more muted sound of the Milk Tea will depend on individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch differ slightly in weight. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. Both switches are relatively light, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. The lighter weight of these switches allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may opt for switches with heavier forces. Overall, both the Cheese and Milk Tea switches offer similar performance in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Gamers, in particular, tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. In this case, choosing a switch with a longer travel distance, such as the Milk Tea, may provide a more satisfying typing experience with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese switch is best known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that sets it apart in terms of lightness. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched tones with a muted essence, promoting a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cheese providing a more pronounced tactile feedback while the Milk Tea offers a softer and more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the HMX Cheese switch brings an unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience that is highly sought after by enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a polished and silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and reducing friction for effortless key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, making them suitable choices for users engaged in prolonged typing sessions. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference for the type of tactile feedback and smoothness desired in a typing experience.
In conclusion, the HMX Cheese and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches each offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Cheese switch boasts a clacky and light sound profile with unparalleled smoothness, the Milk Tea switch provides a unique blend of high-pitched tones with a polished and silky feel. Regardless of the choice made, both switches offer exceptional typing experiences tailored to individual needs and preferences, ensuring that users will achieve satisfying results in their typing endeavors.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter switch with a satisfyingly clacky sound and smooth typing experience, the Cheese may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a switch with a higher-pitched yet muted sound, designed for prolonged typing sessions with a silky and polished feel, then the Milk Tea might be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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