Gateron Glory Yellow vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea present two intriguing choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Glory Yellow switch is noted for its heavier feel, offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience. Its robust design makes it an ideal option for those who prefer a more substantial feedback while enjoying the simplicity of linear switches. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch, manufactured by BSUN, distinguished itself with a unique auditory signature, featuring a fairly high-pitched sound while maintaining a muted essence that balances presence and subtlety. Crafted with Ly for the stem material, it promises an effortless keystroke ideal for users who prioritize a silky feel and a refined auditory experience. While both switches cater to different preferences—one leaning towards a heavier tactile input and the other focusing on auditory nuance—each has its merits depending on what you value in your typing or gaming 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches differ significantly, with the former utilizing nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the latter employs POM for its housings. The nylon used in the Glory Yellow is well-known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer texture that helps absorb sound waves. This absorption leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing, as the plastic dampens higher frequencies that might create sharp or piercing sounds. In contrast, the POM in the Milk Tea switches offers a unique sound as well, which leans towards a muted yet pleasing profile. While both materials enable a deeper sound, the key distinction lies in how each material influences the overall auditory experience during typing.
Both switches share a tendency towards a deeper sound profile, yet they achieve this through different mechanical qualities. The nylon in the Glory Yellow provides a more absorbing and softer touch, creating a rounded sound that is pleasing to many users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. The Milk Tea's POM, while also resulting in a muted sound, results in a different timbre that some might find shareable yet distinct. As the composition of the POM may result in a more unique resonance, users might note subtle variances in sound character even while achieving a similarly deeper experience. Therefore, while they differ in material, users may reach comparable satisfaction in terms of sound depth and typing feel.
When considering the impact of these housing materials on the typing experience, it's important to recollect how each contributes to the overall performance of their respective switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Glory Yellow is designed to enhance the bottom-out feel and sound, adding a rich touch to the typing experience, while the softer top housing contributes to sound on release. Conversely, the Milk Tea’s POM materials separate the qualities differently, creating an alternate feel but still resulting in an overall satisfying typing experience due to its unique sound profile. Therefore, even though the housing materials differ, both switches can yield a similar auditory depth and tactile pleasure, making either choice potentially suited for enthusiasts seeking a fulfilling keystroke experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varied preferences among users. The Glory Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams, indicating a heavier resistance when pressing a key, while the Milk Tea has a considerably lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams. This makes the Milk Tea switch more suited for those who prefer easier keystrokes and prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Tea switch offers a measurable bottom out force of 43.5 grams, which is categorized as light. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow remains unspecified, leaving an unknown factor in its overall typing experience. Thus, while the Milk Tea switch is generally lighter and likely more suitable for casual use, the Gateron Glory Yellow may appeal to users seeking a more substantial and resistant feel in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, the Glory Yellow stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Milk Tea offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Glory Yellow the longer option, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, as it aligns with the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users seeking a quicker response, which is often favored by gamers for enhanced performance. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on individual preferences; the Glory Yellow provides a more robust typing experience, while the Milk Tea offers a more responsive, quicker actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Yellow switch does not have a specific auditory profile provided, so it remains a bit ambiguous. However, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch distinguishes itself with a unique auditory blend that leans towards a higher pitch, resulting in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This switch is also characterized as clacky, marbly, and resonant, which suggests that it produces both a bright and percussive auditory experience while retaining a muted essence that offers a gentle balance. This sound profile can make typing feel more engaging, particularly for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback, albeit in a subtler form. It is important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by the specific keyboard construction and keycap choice.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Gateron Glory Yellow is described as providing a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, which contributes to an enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out with its polished and silky texture, leading to an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The combination of these aspects reduces friction and allows for effortless key travel. While the Glory Yellow excels in delivering a pleasing overall experience, the Milk Tea switch enhances it with a level of refinement and smoothness that elevates the typing feel further.
Overall, both the Gateron Glory Yellow and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches offer appealing qualities in sound and feel, albeit in different ways. The Glory Yellow provides a satisfying keystroke experience, whereas the Milk Tea switch adds unique auditory characteristics and a superior tactile sensation. If you prefer a more straightforward typing experience, the Glory Yellow could be an excellent choice, while the Milk Tea switch would be ideal for those who enjoy a refined auditory and tactile interplay. Ultimately, your selection between the two may hinge upon whether you prioritize sound clarity or typing smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Glory Yellow switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke with a shorter travel distance that offers a seamless typing experience, the Glory Yellow switch would be an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force allows for a frictionless feel, making it ideal for fast-paced typists or gamers who want quick response times without the cumbersome resistance of heavier switches. However, if you appreciate a unique auditory quality combined with a comfortable, yet slightly heavier typing experience, the Milk Tea switch might suit you better. Its polished and silky feel can provide a refined typing environment, while the higher-pitched, clacky sound of the switch adds an engaging acoustic element to your setup. Therefore, consider your typing style, whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or sound and tactile feedback, and choose accordingly to enhance your overall keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
