Gateron CM vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron CM and the PH Studio Milk Tea are two linear switches that present distinct characteristics appealing to different user preferences. The Gateron CM stands out with its full nylon housing, offering a richer, deeper sound signature complemented by an exceptional factory lube job. It delivers a buttery, thocky sound profile that ensures a smooth, bouncy typing journey. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch, produced by BSUN, features a high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, ensuring a silky typing experience that balances presence and subtlety. While the CM is perfect for those who prefer a polished, low-pitched performance with a satisfying thock, the Milk Tea caters to those seeking a more resonant and clacky feel with its unique sound qualities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron CM Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron CM and PH Studio Milk Tea switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Gateron CM's nylon housing is known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer plastic nature. This characteristic allows it to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience during typing. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch employs a POM housing for both top and bottom, which is also known for delivering a unique and pleasing sound profile. POM’s attributes yield a deeper and muted sound, presenting a different auditory experience. While both switches emphasize sound quality, the materials used shape their acoustic signature, with the CM leaning towards a more resonant profile and the Milk Tea achieving a distinct but subtler sound.

Another compelling aspect to consider is the impact of the bottom housing on the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the CM switch emphasizes the bottom-out feel and sound, enhancing the tactile feedback when keys are pressed down. This effectiveness is rooted in nylon's innate properties, which contribute to a softer landing and a distinct acoustic response. Conversely, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing shares the goal of creating a pleasant typing experience but influences it differently. While it still provides a muted sound profile, the impact of the POM material may yield a slightly more subdued response compared to the more robust feel provided by nylon. Therefore, typists may notice differences in bottoming out sound and feel when comparing these two switches, as the materials directly affect how each switch reacts during different stages of typing.

Ultimately, both the Gateron CM and PH Studio Milk Tea switches aim to create engaging and pleasing sound experiences, but their differing materials provide contrasting results. If someone seeks to achieve a typing experience with similar sound qualities using the CM and Milk Tea switches, they must account for the unique characteristics of each housing material. While swapping from one to the other may produce variations in feel and sound, enthusiasts can find enjoyment in the nuanced differences each switch type brings. Cumulatively, the layering of materials affects the overall sound quality and tactile experience, helping users identify their personal preferences in typing feedback and auditory satisfaction.

Weight

The Gateron CM linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct preferences among users. The Gateron CM features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy and offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch has a significantly 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, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. Therefore, the Gateron CM is the heavier switch, while the Milk Tea is the lighter option. Users seeking a more forceful resistance that results in a solid keystroke feel would benefit from the Gateron CM, while those looking for ease and speed in their typing experience may gravitate toward the Milk Tea.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron CM linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either key. This uniformity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, as the distance traveled from the top to the bottom of each switch is the same. As a result, those who enjoy the smoothness and responsiveness of linear switches will find both options equally satisfying in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a rich auditory experience characterized by a low-pitched and thocky profile. This deeper, bass-heavy sound delivers a satisfying "thud" when keys are pressed, evoking a sense of depth reminiscent of traditional mechanical switches. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a higher-pitched, clacky sound, providing a crisper and more resonant auditory signature. The Milk Tea's style integrates a marbly quality that adds brightness and clarity, creating a sharp auditory experience distinct from the CM's robust warmth. This difference in sound profiles indicates that both switches cater to varying preferences in auditory feedback, making them suitable for different users based on their sound preferences.

When considering feel, the Gateron CM linear switch shines with its buttery, polished, and creamy characteristics, offering a smooth and seamless keystroke experience. The attention to factory lubing results in a frictionless typing sensation that feels luxurious and effortless. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch also boasts a polished feel with its silky touch, promising a refined typing experience that minimizes resistance. Although both switches feature a smooth travel, the CM adds an additional layer of gliding comfort that may appeal more to those seeking a luxurious experience, while the Milk Tea focuses on that silky smoothness that is equally enjoyable, albeit with a different textural emphasis.

In conclusion, while the Gateron CM linear switch provides a rich, deep sound along with a buttery and effortless feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a contrasting high-pitched and clacky auditory profile, paired with a silky, polished typing experience. Both switches excel in their own realms, catering to different auditory and tactile preferences, but for those seeking smoothness in feel, either option will deliver a satisfying typing journey. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you prefer the deep richness of the CM or the crisp brightness of the Milk Tea.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a slightly heavier feel and a deeper, bassy sound with a satisfying thock on each keystroke, the CM switches may be your ideal choice. Their rich audio profile, combined with a polished and buttery typing experience, is perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback and a more dynamic typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch for faster typing with a more high-pitched, clacky sound, the Milk Tea switches would be a better fit. Their muted yet resonant acoustics and silky smooth feel allow for an effortless workflow, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming where quick response times are essential. By considering the characteristics of both switches, you can select the one that aligns best with your desired balance of sound, feel, and performance.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron CM Linear

$4.80

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more