TTC Gold Red Pro vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer a unique typing experience. The Gold Red Pro is known for its versatile nature, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, designed for extended typing sessions with its lightweight actuation force. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. 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
43g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the PH Studio Milk Tea lies in the top housing material. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Milk Tea boasts a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their unique advantages, with polycarbonate being stiffer and more resonant, and POM offering a pleasing and unique sound experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material for both switches is the same, with the Gold Red Pro utilizing a nylon bottom housing and the Milk Tea also using a POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature and ability to absorb more sound, while POM results in a relatively more muted sound. This difference in bottom housing material may have a subtle impact on the overall sound profile of each switch, but ultimately, both materials offer a pleasant typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the TTC Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a translucent appearance that is perfect for showcasing RGB lighting, while the PH Studio Milk Tea's POM top housing offers a more opaque look. This may be a deciding factor for users who prioritize visual appeal in addition to sound quality when choosing between these two switches. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the overall sound experience of both switches is likely to be quite similar due to the shared bottom housing material.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is 43 grams, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams. The bottom out force of the Milk Tea is 43.5 grams, which is higher than the actuation force of the Gold Red Pro. The Gold Red Pro does not have a specified bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Milk Tea due to its lower actuation force, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may choose the Gold Red Pro, although the bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer different weight options catering to different preferences for typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, selecting the appropriate switch will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches fall within the spectrum of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers looking for faster response times. The Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance, which could provide a bit more depth and feedback compared to the Milk Tea. However, the difference of 0.2 mm in travel distance may not be significant enough for most users to notice a substantial difference in feel between the two switches. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing a balance between responsiveness and depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that falls in the neutral category, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound, with marbly and resonant qualities that create a unique auditory experience. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the deeper, more subdued sound of the Gold Red Pro or the sharper, crisper sound of the Milk Tea for their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, both the Gold Red Pro and the Milk Tea switches exhibit a polished and silky typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and reduced friction during keypresses. The Gold Red Pro is described as mild and subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel that is approachable to a wide range of users. Similarly, the Milk Tea provides a refined and sleek typing experience with its polished and silky characteristics, ensuring a smooth key travel that minimizes resistance. Overall, users can expect a comfortable and effortless typing experience with either switch option.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch each bring a unique set of qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red Pro offers a more neutral and versatile sound profile alongside a mild and subtle typing experience, the Milk Tea switch stands out with its high-pitched and resonant sound paired with a polished and silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, both of which promise a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize versatility, ease of press, and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique auditory blend with a higher-pitched yet muted sound and a switch designed for prolonged typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch could be the perfect fit. Both switches offer a polished and silky typing experience, but the key differences lie in their bottom-out force and sound characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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