Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and PH Studio Milk Tea stand out with their unique characteristics. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, offering a lively and audible feedback that is complemented by a creamy, tactile sensation. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea is a linear switch that provides a high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions with its accessible bottom-out force and smooth keystrokes. While the Cream Blue Pro is ideal for those seeking quality within a budget, the Milk Tea is perfect for users who require a switch tailored to extensive 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The V3 Cream Blue Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique and distinct housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique and pleasing sound experience, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro delivering a sharper sound, while the Milk Tea offers a deeper tone.
In terms of bottom housings, the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Blue Pro creating a duller and rounder sound, compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both offer a unique sound experience. The top housing of each switch contributes to the sound profile when pressing and releasing a key, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro's polycarbonate top housing delivering a clear and resonant sound, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a deeper tone. Similarly, the bottom housing of each switch impacts the sound when typing, with the V3 Cream Blue Pro's nylon bottom housing offering a fuller sound, mirroring the deep and muted sound of the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches provide a distinct and enjoyable typing experience with their choice of housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that they both offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea boasts a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a light option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Milk Tea more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the V3 Cream Blue Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Milk Tea switch is slightly longer than the Cream Blue Pro switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance is favored by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for the specific travel distance that feels best for your typing or gaming needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Blue Pro tactile switch is known for its distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, providing a lively and audible feedback that is harmoniously paired with a creamy tactile sensation. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique auditory blend with a fairly high-pitched sound that maintains a muted essence, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Both switches provide a different auditory experience, catering to users with varied preferences in sound profiles.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished, offering a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet still provides a noticeable amount of tactility. The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is also described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize comfort and typing ease, albeit through different tactile mechanisms.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. While the Cream Blue Pro delivers a poppy and clacky sound with a bouncy and accented feel, the Milk Tea switch provides a high-pitched yet muted sound with a silky and polished typing experience. Depending on one's preference for auditory feedback and tactile sensation, users can achieve satisfying results with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, then the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience with an emphasis on reduced friction and smooth key travel, the Milk Tea linear switch might better suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
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