Gateron Glory Red vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between an array of switch options, each offering distinct typing experiences. The Gateron Glory Red switch stands out for its lightweight design and smooth keystroke, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a fluid touch in their typing or gaming sessions. It is lauded for its pleasing travel distance, providing a satisfying experience without the fatigue often associated with heavier switches. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, brings a unique sensory profile to the table with its high-pitched yet subtle auditory feedback. This switch is characterized by a blend of clackiness and resonance, while the Ly material used in its stem contributes to a silky, effortless keystroke. While the Glory Red is ideal for those seeking a smooth and straightforward typing experience, the Milk Tea switch appeals to those who appreciate a bit of sound character and refinement. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Glory Red Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switches and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches, we see distinct differences between the nylon used in the former and the POM (Polyoxymethylene) utilized in the latter. The Gateron Glory Red features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic choice in the switch market. This material is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them. As a result, users can expect a typing experience characterized by a duller and rounder auditory feedback, making the switches softer on the ears during use.

In contrast, the Milk Tea switches employ POM for both the top and bottom housings, leading to a distinct but somewhat similar auditory experience. POM is recognized for its durability and smoothness; it also contributes to a deeper sound profile, but with a unique tone that tends to be more muted than that produced by nylon. Users might notice that while both switches provide a pleasant and deep sound during typing, the POM material can offer a different kind of auditory experience that feels slightly less resonant compared to the softer nylon of the Glory Red. Therefore, while both switches provide a satisfying sound profile, the quality and perception of that sound can differ based on the materials used.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron Glory Red and PH Studio Milk Tea switches can still yield similar typing experiences, especially for users who prioritize a deeper sound profile in their mechanical keyboards. The impact of the housing on the sound and feel of the switches is significant, with the bottom housing contributing more to the sound when bottoming out and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Consequently, despite their different materials, users can expect a resonance that veers towards the deeper end of the sound spectrum, ensuring that both switches remain appealing choices for those looking for satisfying auditory feedback in their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that can influence user experience. The Glory Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Milk Tea is lighter at 37.5 grams. This difference means that those who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged usage or gaming sessions might find the Milk Tea more suitable. However, the bottom-out force for the Glory Red is unknown, making it difficult to complete the comparison on that aspect. In contrast, the Milk Tea's bottom-out force is measured at 43.5 grams, providing a light but substantial feel upon reaching the key's end. Since the actuation for the Milk Tea is lower than the Glory Red, it is the lighter switch overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, whereas the heavier actuation of the Glory Red may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer key press.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys of either switch, users can expect an identical feel and response during keypresses. Since both switches offer equal travel distance, they will provide similar results in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Players and typists looking for linear switches can confidently choose either option without worrying about differences in distance, as both will deliver the same performance in that regard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Glory Red switch's characteristics remain unspecified, leaving a gap in the auditory experience it provides. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a distinctive sound profile, featuring a combination of high-pitched tonalities that come across as clacky and resonant. This blend produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound, making each keystroke feel sharp and lively. The Milk Tea switch balances this presence with a muted essence, resulting in an engaging auditory experience without being overpowering. The sound of any switch can vary depending on the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, but the Milk Tea’s well-defined sound profile is certainly noteworthy.

In terms of feel, the specifics for the Gateron Glory Red again remain unaddressed. On the other side, the Milk Tea switch excels with its polished and silky sensations. The polished finish contributes to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized by reduced friction and effortless key travel. This is likely a result of the materials used and the manufacturing processes involved, such as factory lubing. Typists searching for a high level of comfort during extended use will find the Milk Tea switch particularly appealing due to its refined smoothness, charming touch, and minimal resistance.

In conclusion, while the Gateron Glory Red’s sound and feel qualities are not directly outlined, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out with its unique balance of auditory sharpness and silky smoothness, providing an enjoyable typing experience. If you're searching for consistent results in terms of sound and feel, exploring similar switch types and features can lead to a favorable selection tailored to personal preferences. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize the defined auditory character and smooth tactile sensations offered by the Milk Tea, or if you are intrigued by the potential which the Glory Red may provide.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a pivotal role in your choice. If you enjoy a lighter key feel and a smoother, more effortless keystroke, the Glory Red will appeal to you, delivering a pleasant typing experience without excessive resistance. This makes it an excellent choice for fast typists or gamers looking for quick key actuations. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile sound profile and a bit of weight in your keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch will serve you well. With its distinct auditory character—bearing a high-pitched yet muted resonance—coupled with its polished and silky feel, it's ideal for those who want their keyboard experience to include both auditory and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just how you type, but also what sounds and feels right to you, whether that’s the smoothness of Glory Reds or the unique auditory experience offered by the Milk Tea switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Glory Red Linear

$4.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more