TTC Flame Red vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the TTC Flame Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, there are key differences that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is renowned for its stunning light diffuser, making it a top choice for those who prioritize aesthetics, especially for backlit RGB keyboards. Typing on the Flame Reds offers a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, perfect for those seeking a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its unique auditory blend, combining a high-pitched sound with a muted essence for a subtle yet present typing experience. With a light bottom-out pressure and stem material that ensures effortless keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Flame Red Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea, it is evident that the Flame Red utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Milk Tea utilizes POM for both components. The nylon top housing of the Flame Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound to create a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Milk Tea creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite these differences, both materials offer a distinct sound experience for users.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Flame Red provides a similar sound profile as the top housing, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound when typing on the switches. This is consistent with the overall characteristics of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to the switch's sound profile by creating a deeper and more muted sound experience. While both housings offer a unique sound quality, the material composition of nylon and POM ensures that users will experience a different tactile and auditory experience with each switch.

In analyzing the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that each component plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switch. The split between the bottom and top housing materials means that users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both the Flame Red and Milk Tea switches offer a unique typing experience that is further enhanced by their respective housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea switch is lighter in both categories. The Flame Red has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch will require less force to trigger a keystroke and to fully press down compared to the Flame Red switch. For those who prefer a lighter feel for typing or gaming, the Milk Tea would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, the Flame Red switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we find that the Flame Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Milk Tea's 3.6 mm. The Flame Red offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Milk Tea provides a slightly shallower feel. Gamers seeking faster response times may opt for the Milk Tea with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Flame Red. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distance, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming experiences. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Flame Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched tones with a muted essence, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch is also described as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant, providing an immersive auditory experience for those who enjoy a sharp and clear sound when typing. The sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel, the TTC Flame Red switch is known for providing a weighty smoothness and a mild typing experience. This mild feel ensures that the switch is approachable to most users, offering a safe middle-ground zone of typing comfort. Additionally, the Flame Red switch is described as polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience characterized by reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch also boasts a polished finish, enhancing the smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Described as silky, the Milk Tea switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, ideal for prolonged typing sessions.

Overall, when comparing the TTC Flame Red linear switch with the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is clear that both switches excel in different aspects. The Flame Red switch is versatile, offering a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience with a polished finish. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its unique auditory blend of high-pitched tones and muted essence, coupled with a polished finish and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their specific needs and typing habits. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver similar results in terms of comfort and typing efficiency.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a balance between visual appeal, smooth typing experience, and a clacky sound profile, the TTC Flame Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Flame Red's medium-light bottom-out force, coupled with its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile, make it suitable for a wide range of typing needs. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter bottom-out force, high-pitched sound, and a polished, silky typing experience, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be the better option for you. With its gentle balance between presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea switch is designed for extended typing sessions and provides an effortless typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Flame Red and Milk Tea switches will depend on your specific preferences and typing requirements.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Flame Red Linear

$7.29

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more