Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are favored by budget-conscious individuals seeking top-notch quality. With a distinct poppy and clacky sound and exceptional smoothness, these switches are categorized as 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound, providing a delicate balance of presence and subtlety. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', it features a light bottom-out force of 43.5g and uses Ly for the stem material, enhancing typing comfort for prolonged use. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on personal preferences and 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
55g
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
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
20mm
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Milk Tea features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both materials offer distinct advantages. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the Milk Tea provides a pleasing and unique sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the V3 Cream Black Pro is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Milk Tea features a POM bottom housing that also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. The differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches allow for a variety of sound experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea offers a similarly deep and muted sound profile.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea differ, they both provide unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch offer a diverse typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches offer a range of sound profiles to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a more lightweight option. The varying forces of these switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Milk Tea, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the V3 Cream Black Pro. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 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, making them ideal choices for users who value quick response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.3 mm between the two switches may not be significant to most users, as they will likely yield similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the slight variation in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound, delivering a crisp and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched and marbly sound profiles, creating a balanced and muted essence. Both switches provide a distinct sound profile that caters to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Black Pro leaning towards a sharper tone and the Milk Tea offering a more resonant and immersive sound. The choice of sound ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall keyboard setup, including the keycaps and board used.
When it comes to feel, the V3 Cream Black Pro switch is often described as creamy and bouncy, providing a smooth and lively typing experience that feels effortless and responsive. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch is noted for its polished and silky feel, offering a refined and smooth typing sensation with reduced friction. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Whether you prefer a more buttery and springy feel with the Cream Black Pro or a sleek and smooth experience with the Milk Tea, both switches excel in enhancing the overall typing comfort and performance.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Black Pro offers a high-pitched and clacky sound with a creamy and bouncy feel, the Milk Tea provides a blend of marbly and polished sound profiles coupled with a silky typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Both switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for quality switches that deliver on performance and comfort.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you prefer medium-heavy switches with a unique poppy and clacky sound, smooth feel, and a creamy typing experience, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer light switches with a high-pitched and muted sound, an effortless typing experience, and a polished finish, the Milk Tea switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your desired sound profile, typing experience, and overall preferences. Make sure to prioritize what matters most to you in a keyboard switch when making your decision.
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