Huano Elf vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and the PH Studio Milk Tea are two popular linear options that cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf switch stands out with its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep sound signature that complements its medium-light actuation force, resulting in a luxurious typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch, manufactured by BSUN, offers a distinctive auditory profile with a combination of high-pitched clarity and muted undertones, thanks to the Ly stem material that ensures smooth and effortless keystrokes. While the Elf emphasizes a satisfying, resonant feel suitable for those who enjoy a deeper sound while typing, the Milk Tea appeals to users who prefer a blend of clackiness and subtlety in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Elf Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Elf switches and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches present an interesting study in contrasts, particularly with regard to their top housing components. The Huano Elf opts for polyketone (POK) for its top housing, which is notable for its exceptional durability and smooth tactile feedback, thanks to a lower coefficient of friction than many competing materials like POM and Nylon. This contributes to the Elf switches producing a "clacky" sound profile, making them a favorite among typists who enjoy an auditory response when typing. In contrast, the Milk Tea switches incorporate POM as their top housing material. While POM also offers a desirable texture and feel, it is characterized by a tendency to produce a sound profile that leans toward the deeper and more muted side, showcasing a softer auditory experience compared to the Elf's sharper sound.

Moving to the bottom housing, both the Huano Elf and PH Studio Milk Tea switches utilize different materials that each provide distinct sound profiles. The Elf employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for its softer composition that enhances sound absorption, resulting in a fuller sound. This characteristic enables the switch to create a deeper and more rounded typing sound. In contrast, the Milk Tea switches, while having a POM bottom housing similar to their top, emphasize the muted and pleasing nature of their sound profile. The two switches therefore differ in bottom housing characteristics, where the Elf offers a more pronounced depth due to nylon's unique properties, whereas the Milk Tea creates a softly muted auditory effect due to the nature of POM.

Ultimately, the effects of the housing materials come together in the way users experience their respective switches. The Huano Elf, with its polyketone top and nylon bottom, aims for a brighter, more engaging sound when a key is released, while the pressure applied when typing feels substantial. The contrasting POM top and bottom in the Milk Tea switches offer a consistent, deeper sound profile throughout, leading to a uniform user experience. Even as both switches employ different materials, achieving optimal sound qualities, they can capitalize on their respective strengths to deliver engaging typing experiences. While the bases of their auditory profiles differ—a sharper "clack" versus a muted sound—the successful blend of their individual housing properties demonstrates how contrasting materials can lead to equally satisfying yet distinct outcomes in switch performance.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are notable differences. The Huano Elf features an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams. This means the Milk Tea switch would feel easier to press, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Elf is not available, whereas the Milk Tea boasts a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This indicates that while the actuation is lighter in the Milk Tea, the force required to completely bottom out is slightly heavier. Overall, the Huano Elf is the heavier switch due to its higher actuation force, while the Milk Tea provides a lighter touch for those who prefer less resistance. If the bottom out force for the Elf were known and matched the Milk Tea's, users could expect a similar experience regarding overall key travel; however, without that information, we cannot make that determination for the Elf.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Huano Elf linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that users will experience similar results when pressing down on either switch, providing a consistent feel across both models. With the same travel distance, both switches deliver comparable tactile feedback and actuation, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users who prioritize linear switch characteristics.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Elf switch showcases a deep sound signature that is rich and resonant, creating an auditory experience that can be described as full and satisfying. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a higher-pitched sound profile that combines a clacky and marbly quality. This switch produces a sharper, crisper sound that retains a certain muted essence, creating an interesting balance between presence and subtleness. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences: the Elf's deeper tone contrasts with the Milk Tea's bright, resonant notes, which may appeal to different preferences depending on whether one favors a bass-heavy sound or something more high-pitched and snappy.

When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is characterized by a medium-light actuation force that provides a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, although specific descriptors for its tactile qualities are not provided. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch shines with a polished and silky smoothness that reduces friction throughout the keystroke, resulting in a sleek and effortless typing sensation. The combination of a refined finish and smooth action means that users can expect to glide easily from key to key with the Milk Tea, contrasting with the more straightforward yet satisfying feel of the Elf, which might cater to those who enjoy a lighter touch without specific refinements.

Overall, both switches present unique qualities that will cater to different preferences. The Huano Elf will appeal to those who prefer a deeper, richer sound combined with a comfortable typing experience, while the PH Studio Milk Tea will attract users seeking a higher-pitched auditory profile with an exceptionally smooth tactile feedback. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both for your specific typing needs. Even as both switches diverge in their auditory and tactile signatures, they share a common ground in delivering a quality typing experience, allowing you to find satisfaction in either option based on personal preference.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Huano Elf and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, your primary considerations should be your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch with a satisfying, medium-light feel, the Huano Elf is likely your best choice. It excels in providing an enjoyable auditory experience through its POK top housing, emphasizing deeper sound signatures that cater to those who appreciate a more subdued yet rich acoustics in their typing. On the other hand, if you find yourself favoring a slightly heavier bottom-out feel and a sound profile that leans more towards high-pitched and clacky tones, go for the PH Studio Milk Tea. Its polished and silky smooth keystrokes offer an effortlessly smooth experience, ideal for users who enjoy a sharper auditory presence with a hint of subtlety. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you lean towards a more muted yet rich typing experience with the Elf or a crisp, resonant, and refined feel with the Milk Tea. Each switch brings unique attributes to the table, and understanding your preferences will help you make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more