Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are popular among budget-conscious enthusiasts for their satisfying combination of a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making them ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience and creamy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch by PH Studio boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, perfect for users looking for a balance between presence and subtlety during prolonged typing sessions. While the Cream Yellow Pro V3 is described as 'Easy-to-press', 'Feathery', 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Polished', the Milk Tea is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. 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
50g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea, we can see that they both prioritize sound profiles, albeit in slightly different ways. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Milk Tea features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite this difference, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience for users, with the choice between polycarbonate and POM resulting in distinct auditory characteristics.
A further point of comparison between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. On the other hand, the Milk Tea also utilizes POM in its bottom housing, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound quality. While the specific properties of nylon and POM may differ slightly, both materials contribute to a more rounded and duller sound compared to harder plastics, highlighting the importance of bottom housing materials in shaping the overall sound signature of a switch.
Overall, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Milk Tea differ in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience through their distinct sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Milk Tea produces a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Milk Tea respectively contribute to a fuller and rounder sound profile, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound characteristics of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are evident. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a medium actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a moderate typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a more effortless and smoother typing option. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Milk Tea switch would be the ideal choice. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing feel with a bit more resistance, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be the better option. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in the typing experience, with each switch catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear 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. This makes the Milk Tea switch slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow Pro switch. In terms of preference, gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Cream Yellow Pro switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Milk Tea switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to individual preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow Pro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound, providing a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique blend of a high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. While the Cream Yellow Pro leans towards a more pronounced and lively sound profile, the Milk Tea switch caters to those who prefer a softer and more understated auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel, the Cream Yellow Pro switch is described as easy-to-press and feathery, offering minimal resistance and a comfortable typing experience. It provides a smooth and polished finish, enhancing the overall tactile feel. Similarly, the Milk Tea switch also boasts a polished and silky feel, ensuring effortless key presses and smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of typing, making them suitable choices for extended typing sessions.
Taking all available information into consideration, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cream Yellow Pro provides a vibrant and tactile experience with its poppy sound and easy-to-press feel, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile, tactile feel, and typing comfort. However, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium bottom-out force and a satisfying combination of sound and smoothness, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a unique auditory experience with a focus on prolonged typing comfort, the Milk Tea switch might be more suitable for you. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so make sure to consider what matters most to you when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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