KTT Darling vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The KTT Darling is known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a pronounced bounciness and high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, designed for prolonged typing sessions with effortless keystrokes. While the Darling is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Milk Tea is labeled as 'Marbly', 'Polished', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their strengths, making them suitable for different preferences and 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
53g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Darling and the PH Studio Milk Tea both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinctive sound profiles. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, perfect for those seeking a more clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Milk Tea's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, providing a different tactile response for users. While their top housings differ in sound characteristics, both materials are ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to their translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the Darling's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound, giving users a more rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper, more muted sound profile, aligning with its overall sound aesthetic. While the materials may differ, both switches deliver a similar deep sound, providing users with a satisfying typing experience that emphasizes the sound of bottoming out the key.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Darling and the PH Studio Milk Tea results in a unique typing experience for users. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings allow for a balance of sharp and deep sounds, giving users a variety of tactile responses depending on where they press the key. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper sound of POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that caters to different sound preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is the lighter option. The Darling has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Milk Tea only requires 37.5 grams to actuate. Similarly, the Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams compared to the Milk Tea's 43.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea offers a lighter typing experience overall. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Milk Tea for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it can reduce fatigue over time. On the other hand, the Darling may offer a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Darling would be the shorter option for those seeking a quicker key press, while the Milk Tea would provide a slightly deeper feel for those who prefer a bit more travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively similar typing experience due to their close travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant typing experience, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile that is both engaging and immersive. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch also delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound but adds a marbly essence that contributes to a clean and resonant auditory feedback. While both switches share similarities in their sound profile, the Darling offers a more pronounced and bouncy typing sensation compared to the Milk Tea.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback that adds a lively and rebounding feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is characterized by its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish that minimizes friction and enhances the overall smoothness of key travel. While the Darling focuses on a bouncy sensation, the Milk Tea prioritizes a polished and silky feel for effortless typing.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its chewy and substantial typing sensation paired with a bouncy and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique auditory blend with a muted essence and a balance between presence and subtlety, coupled with a polished and silky feel for smooth key travel. If a user prefers a more lively and bouncy typing experience with a pronounced sound profile, the Darling would be the ideal choice. However, for those seeking a smoother and more refined typing feel with a unique auditory blend, the Milk Tea would be a perfect companion. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing sensation and sound. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing experience with a pronounced bounciness and a high-pitched, resonant sound, the KTT Darling may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom out force, a unique auditory blend of high-pitched and muted sounds, and a smooth, refined typing feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you prefer and what features are most important to you.
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