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KTT Cream Yellow vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea. The Cream Yellow switch is praised for its distinctively clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem that provides resonant audio feedback. With a bouncy typing feel and a spring that adds to its unique texture, this switch falls under the categories of 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky'. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch from PH Studio offers a different auditory experience, blending high-pitched tones with a muted essence for a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Designed for prolonged typing sessions with an accessible bottom-out force of just 43.5g, this switch is made with ease and comfort in mind, enhanced by the use of Ly for the stem material. Falling under the categories of 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Milk Tea switch is ideal for those who require a reliable companion for 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

50g

Actuation force

37.5g

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

43.5g

Pre-travel

1.90 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

POM

Stem material

Ly

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

POM

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

18mm spring

Spring

Single stage lengthened 22mm spring

Housing materials

The KTT Cream Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, giving a quieter typing experience. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing is best suited for those who enjoy a brighter and clearer sound, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing is ideal for those who prefer a deeper and more subtle sound.

In terms of bottom housings, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound created by the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, complementing the POM top housing for a consistent typing experience. Both switches offer a balanced sound profile with their respective bottom housings, providing a satisfying typing experience for different preferences.

While the top and bottom housings of the KTT Cream Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea have different compositions, each housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. On the other hand, the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the qualities of their housing materials, catering to a variety of preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea switch is lighter overall. The Cream Yellow switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a medium resistance. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, offering a gentler typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea switch makes it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for longer periods of time, such as those using the keyboard for work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to individuals who prefer a heavier force for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Cream Yellow switch offering a heavier typing feel and the Milk Tea switch providing a lighter touch.

Travel distance

The KTT Cream Yellow 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 popular among gamers for their quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Cream Yellow switch with the shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth to your keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch with the slightly longer travel distance could be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.

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 Cream Yellow and Milk Tea switches both share the descriptor of being "clacky," indicating a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The Cream Yellow has a more resonant audio feedback due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, while the Milk Tea offers a unique high-pitched yet muted sound profile, possibly due to the Ly stem material used. Both switches provide a distinct auditory experience, catering to different preferences in terms of sound profile.

Moving on to feel, the Cream Yellow switch is known for its bouncy typing feel, offering a lively and spring-like feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is described as offering a polished and silky typing experience, with smooth key travel and minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. While the Cream Yellow focuses on a bouncy sensation, the Milk Tea emphasizes a refined and frictionless typing feel, catering to users who prefer a more streamlined and effortless typing experience.

In conclusion, while the Cream Yellow and Milk Tea switches both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cream Yellow provides a clacky and bouncy typing experience, while the Milk Tea offers a high-pitched and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feedback, users can choose between the two switches to customize their keyboard to suit their needs and preferences. Ultimately, both switches showcase the diversity and innovation present in the mechanical keyboard market, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their liking.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a distinctively clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, along with a polished and silky typing experience, then the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider these factors carefully before making your decision to ensure that you choose the switch that best fits your typing preferences and requirements.

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