TTC Gold Silver vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and PH Studio Milk Tea stand out as top choices for different reasons. The Gold Silver is known for its rapid responsiveness and precise bottom-out with a resonant sound signature, making each keystroke feel satisfying and decisive. On the other hand, the Milk Tea offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The accessible bottom-out weight of the Milk Tea also caters to extended typing sessions. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Milk Tea is designed for comfort and ease during prolonged use. 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
45g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Gold Silver's translucent polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the Milk Tea's POM housing may offer a more understated look.
In contrast, both switches share similarities in their bottom housing materials. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. This suggests that regardless of the switch model, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in determining the overall sound experience of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gold Silver and Milk Tea switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic preferences. While the Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches excel in their bottom housing materials, with the nylon and POM offering a fuller sound experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on the desired sound profile and overall look that align with the user's preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch which has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Silver's force is unknown while the Milk Tea has a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it the heavier of the two switches. The difference in actuation force and bottom out force between the two switches may impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Milk Tea switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gold Silver switch for a stronger push experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we can see that the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Gold Silver being slightly shorter than the Milk Tea. For those who value quicker response times, the Gold Silver may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel, the Milk Tea's slightly longer travel distance may be more appealing. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch embodies a thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and satisfying sound that resonates with each keystroke. On the contrary, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch presents a clacky and high-pitched sound, creating a crisp and bright auditory experience. While the Gold Silver leans towards a more neutral sound, the Milk Tea showcases a marbly and resonant quality. When it comes to feel, both switches are described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance. The Gold Silver exhibits a mild and subtle feel, offering a gentle typing experience with a safe middle-ground resistance. Similarly, the Milk Tea emphasizes a sleek and smooth typing feel, ensuring an effortless keystroke with enhanced smoothness. Overall, while the Gold Silver provides a swift and precise typing experience with a thocky sound, the Milk Tea offers a unique auditory blend with a clacky and high-pitched profile, tailored for prolonged typing sessions. Both switches excel in delivering a polished and silky typing feel, making them suitable companions for different preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing needs. If you value rapid responsiveness and a smooth, fluid keystroke with a resonant sound signature, the Gold Silver switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and gentle typing experience with a unique auditory blend featuring a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, the Milk Tea switch could be the ideal choice. Both switches offer their own set of qualities and characteristics, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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