HMX Deep Navy vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The Deep Navy switch is renowned for its immersive, sharp sound profile, crafted entirely from durable nylon, which contributes to a robust and responsive typing experience. Its silky smoothness, attributed to the Ly stem, provides an effortless keystroke ideal for long typing sessions. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea boasts a more nuanced auditory character with its fairly high-pitched sound that maintains a subdued quality, striking a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. Like the Deep Navy, it features a Ly stem that ensures smooth keystrokes, but the Milk Tea's sound profile is described as clacky and marbly, providing a distinct tactile feedback that some users might find appealing. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the sharp clarity of the Deep Navy or the gentle nuance of the Milk Tea. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Deep Navy Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the PH Studio Milk Tea, one observes notable differences in the types of plastics used. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, esteemed for its classic and softer characteristics. This softness allows nylon to absorb more sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Milk Tea switches feature POM (polyoxymethylene) for their housing, which is known for offering a unique sound profile. While POM is also softer than many other plastics, it is designed to deliver a sound that is rich yet more muted than that produced by nylon, resulting in a distinguishable auditory signature that might appeal to users seeking a different tactile sensation.

Despite the differences in materials, both switches exhibit deeper sound profiles, albeit derived from unique qualities. The nylon in the Deep Navy, by virtue of its softer nature, creates a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a smooth and comforting typing experience. Meanwhile, the POM housings in the Milk Tea switches offer an equally enjoyable experience with a more nuanced audibility, producing distinct yet muted sounds that users may find equally satisfying. This comparative characteristic showcases that although the materials differ, they aim to elicit a pleasant auditory response, addressing the preferences of various typing styles.

In practical application, the varying materials of the switches will manifest more prominently in the nuances of sound when a key is pressed or released. The characteristics of the nylon in the Deep Navy will largely dominate the bottom-out sound and feel, while the sound profile upon key release will be more influenced by the type of housing—silencing nuances in the release sound that come from the POM material in the Milk Tea. Ultimately, even though HMX Deep Navy and PH Studio Milk Tea houses are constructed from different materials, typists can expect a similarly rich auditory experience that caters to those who appreciate softer sounds and enhanced tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged use. The Deep Navy has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Milk Tea features an even lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch requires slightly less force to register a keystroke, which may enhance typing comfort for users seeking a lighter touch. In contrast, the Deep Navy is marginally heavier, providing a more substantial push feel, which may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches are similar in lightness, the Milk Tea switch offers a lighter option compared to the Deep Navy.

Travel distance

The HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that the distance the keys travel from top to bottom is identical for both switches. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users will experience comparable keypress feedback and actuation in terms of the distance they need to press down to register a keystroke. Therefore, whether opting for the Deep Navy or the Milk Tea, one can expect similar tactile results in terms of key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is characterized by a rich and sharp auditory experience, thanks to its nylon construction that contributes to its overall acoustic clarity. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a more nuanced sound with its fairly high-pitched tone. While both switches provide a clean and enjoyable typing experience, the Milk Tea's subdued but distinct presence—enhanced by its clacky, marbly characteristics—offers an auditory balance that is less aggressive compared to the more assertive sharpness of the Deep Navy. Ultimately, when typing on the Deep Navy, you can expect a robust audio feedback, while the Milk Tea’s muted essence melds a gentle sharpness with subdued tones.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Deep Navy is celebrated for its silky smoothness, allowing for effortless keystrokes thanks to its Ly stem material. This quality promotes a luxurious typing experience characterized by minimal resistance and a refined touch. In comparison, the Milk Tea switch shares a similar ethos but emphasizes its polished nature, enhancing the smoothness of each keystroke while also minimizing friction. Both switches cater to users seeking a smooth linear experience; however, the Deep Navy focuses on silkiness, whereas the Milk Tea highlights a more polished and refined feel, which may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more texture and responsiveness.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches provide high-quality sensory experiences, albeit with different sound and tactile nuances. The Deep Navy stands out with its rich and sharp sound, coupled with a silky smooth typing feel. Meanwhile, the Milk Tea offers a more nuanced auditory experience with its high-pitched yet muted sound, along with a polished key feel that prioritizes comfort. For newcomers exploring linear switches, both the Deep Navy and Milk Tea promise satisfying performance; the choice ultimately hinges on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and audio tastes. If you are drawn to a rich and sharp sound profile that provides a more pronounced auditory experience, the Deep Navy switches, with their full nylon construction and silky smooth Ly stem, would be an excellent choice. They are particularly well-suited for environments where sound is important, and you enjoy a slightly heavier feel when typing, thanks to their 45-gram bottom-out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle yet present auditory experience with a unique balance of high-pitched tones and a polished tactile feel, the Milk Tea switches may be more to your liking. They offer an effortless typing sensation, complemented by their lower 43.5-gram actuation force, which lends itself well to extended typing sessions without strain. Ultimately, consider your sound preference—do you want clarity and richness, or a delicate blend of presence and subtlety—along with the type of experience you seek in terms of smoothness and weight, to make the switch that best fits your style.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more