TTC Gold Red vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the TTC Gold Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium resistance, offering a subtle and polished feel to your keyboard. 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 balanced presence. While the Gold Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Silky', the Milk Tea is labeled as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Resonant'. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and 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
50g
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 Red features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the PH Studio Milk Tea uses a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. The difference in sound profiles between the two housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Gold Red allows for better RGB lighting effects compared to the Milk Tea's opaque POM housing.
On the other hand, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic material. This similarity in bottom housing material means that when typing on either the Gold Red or the Milk Tea, users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the top housing material still plays a role in influencing the overall sound of the switch, so differences in sound profile will still be present between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Gold Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea contributes significantly to the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound, the contrasting polycarbonate and POM top housings create distinct sound profiles with the Gold Red offering a crisper sound compared to the Milk Tea's more muted tones. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound quality can help buyers make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch differ slightly. The Gold Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Milk Tea's 37.5 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams of force, while the Milk Tea requires 43.5 grams. Both switches can be considered relatively light in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. The slight differences in force between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, so in terms of practicality, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the slight variations in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Red. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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 Red linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfying and deep thocky sound when pressed, which is suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a resonant and marbly quality, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience that may appeal to those who prefer a more distinct sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for sound aesthetics, as well as the overall setup of your keyboard, including the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, both the TTC Gold Red and PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer a polished and silky typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined finish that minimizes resistance and enhances overall typing smoothness. The Gold Red switch also provides a mild and subtle typing feel, offering a gentle resistance that is approachable to most typists. Similarly, the Milk Tea switch is designed with a light bottom-out force of 43.5g and utilizes Ly stem material to ensure effortless keystrokes during prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches excel in providing a comfortable and pleasant typing experience that prioritizes smoothness and ease of use.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound profile with mild and subtle typing characteristics, the Milk Tea switch presents a clacky and high-pitched sound with a resonant and marbly quality, along with a light bottom-out force for prolonged typing comfort. Choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific typing requirements you have for your keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches are excellent options that provide a high-quality typing experience tailored to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch may be more suited to your preferences. On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, along with a slightly lighter bottom-out force, the Milk Tea switch could be the better choice for you. Both switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual typing preferences and needs.
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