TTC Gold Brown vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and PH Studio Milk Tea offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switch is best known for its balanced feel, providing a slight bump and moderate weightiness for a satisfying typing 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 gentle yet present keystroke. Both switches have their own strengths - the Gold Brown for a softer, rounded sound profile, and the Milk Tea for an accessible bottom-out and effortless typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the POM top housing of the PH Studio Milk Tea, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the POM top housing of the Milk Tea provides a unique sound experience. On the other hand, both switches have a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, highlighting the similarities in the bottom housing material.
The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea, which also produces a deeper and more muted sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound, while POM offers a unique sound experience with a deeper tone. Despite the differences in sound characteristics between the nylon and POM bottom housings, both materials contribute to a pleasing sound profile for both switches.
Interestingly, the contrast between the top and bottom housing materials of the Gold Brown and Milk Tea switches results in a unique keyboarding experience. The qualities of each housing material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound profile when pressing down on a key and when releasing it. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. This demonstrates how the combination of different housing materials can affect the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch. The Gold Brown requires 55 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 63 grams to bottom out, which provides a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea only requires 37.5 grams to actuate and 43.5 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Milk Tea switch, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may choose the Gold Brown. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, but the Gold Brown offers a heavier touch while the Milk Tea is on the lighter side.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of tactile switch travel distances, with the Gold Brown being slightly longer than the Milk Tea. Gamers may gravitate towards the Milk Tea for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is known for its unique high-pitched and clacky sound, creating a distinctive auditory experience. The Milk Tea switch also offers a marbly, resonant quality, adding depth to each keystroke. Ultimately, the sound of each switch will be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch is characterized as mild and buttery, offering a gentle typing experience with a balanced tactile bump. Alternatively, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing sensation. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience, with the Gold Brown offering a more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Milk Tea's seamless key travel. These qualities make them suitable for prolonged typing sessions and different preferences among users.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown provides a satisfying bump and weightiness with a softer sound profile, while the Milk Tea presents a unique high-pitched and clacky sound with effortless key travel. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, users can choose between the balanced and moderate qualities of the Gold Brown or the polished and silky feel of the Milk Tea. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience and cater to a variety of users in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a balanced tactile switch with a moderate actuation force and a softer sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light linear switch with a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile and a smoother typing experience, the PH Studio Milk Tea could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a tactile bump with moderate weightiness or a smooth, light linear switch with a unique auditory blend. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
