HMX Hibiscus vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Hibiscus and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus switch shines with its ultra-light actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who crave an extraordinarily smooth and effortless typing experience. Its clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature adds a lively auditory dimension, appealing to users who enjoy a bit of character with each keystroke. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch introduces a unique auditory blend that melds a fairly high-pitched sound with a muted quality. This creates an elegant balance between presence and subtlety, making it a suitable option for users who prefer a more refined auditory feedback in their typing. The use of Ly for the stem material further enhances the ease of use, ensuring a silky-smooth experience that feels effortless. Each switch has its own set of captivating traits, catering to diverse typing preferences. 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
42g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the HMX Hibiscus and PH Studio Milk Tea switches reflect distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounded and muted acoustic quality. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which delivers a similarly deep sound profile but with its own unique timbre. While both materials contribute to a more muted sound, the specific acoustic enhancements differ, as POM is celebrated for producing a pleasingly unique resonance.
Examining the bottom housings further illustrates the contrast between the two switches. The Hibiscus again employs nylon, which continues to deliver that signature deeper and fuller sound experience. The softness of the nylon here further enhances the bottom-out feel, making it a more comforting experience with each keystroke. Conversely, the Milk Tea’s POM bottom housing contributes to a unique sound signature as well, albeit with different tonal qualities. While both nylon and POM provide muted sound profiles, the interplay between the two different materials can lead to varying experiences when bottoming out the switches, as the qualities brought by nylon differ from the distinct character that POM adds.
Though the Hibiscus and Milk Tea switches utilize different materials for their housings, they both ultimately aim for similar acoustic outcomes: a deeper, more subdued sound profile. The contrasting materials—nylon in the Hibiscus and POM in the Milk Tea—mean that each switch will have its own unique feel when typing, particularly regarding the sound produced on actuation and release. However, users can expect a muted and rich keystroke experience from both due to the specific properties of the housing materials, even if the experience may vary slightly in texture and tone between the two switches. If a user is seeking a softer typing experience that delivers rounded sound profiles, either switch can provide satisfactory results, highlighting the nuance in material choice while achieving similar auditory outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, both options feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. The Hibiscus has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Milk Tea offers an even lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch requires less force to activate and bottom out, providing a softer typing experience. Consequently, individuals who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Milk Tea switch for its reduced effort requirement. In contrast, the Hibiscus, while still light, offers a slightly more substantial feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches provide a light experience, but the Milk Tea switch is the lighter option.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can influence the overall typing experience. The Hibiscus switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer a more responsive feel, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and typing feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Hibiscus switch is characterized by an engagingly clacky, poppy, and crispy signature, making it a delight for those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. This lends itself to a lively sound that can invigorate the typing experience, enhancing the overall engagement with the keyboard. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch presents a more nuanced auditory experience with a fairly high-pitched sound that remains muted. Its unique combination of presence and subtlety gives it a softer auditory signature, resulting in a typing experience that can be both present without being overly intrusive. The Hibiscus switches lend themselves to a more dynamic soundscape, while the Milk Tea offers a calmer yet distinct auditory charm.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch provides an unparalleled smoothness, delivering a pristine typing experience that is likely to be highly satisfying for users who enjoy fluid key travel. However, details about its specific characteristics are not provided. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch prides itself on a polished and silky typing experience. The use of Ly material in the stem ensures that users experience minimal friction and reduced resistance, creating an effortless typing action that many enthusiasts seek. The Hibiscus may also offer a smooth feel, but without explicit descriptions to compare, it is difficult to draw direct parallels between the two.
In summary, both the HMX Hibiscus and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Hibiscus is vibrant and full of character with its clacky sound, while the Milk Tea offers a more balanced yet distinct auditory profile. Meanwhile, the Milk Tea’s emphasis on a polished and silky feel contrasts with the smoothness attributed to the Hibiscus, though specifics on the latter’s feel remain scarce. Ultimately, users looking for an engaging auditory experience may gravitate towards the Hibiscus, whereas those who prefer a mix of subtlety and refinement might find the Milk Tea switch to be a better fit. The choice between these two will largely depend on individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Hibiscus and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, your choice should hinge on both your typing preferences and the auditory experience you desire. If you prioritize an ultra-smooth typing experience coupled with a clacky, bright sound signature, the Hibiscus will likely be your best option. Its light bottom-out force of 48 grams makes it especially suitable for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a responsive feel and an engaging auditory feedback. Alternatively, if you seek a more understated auditory presence with a polished and silky typing experience, the Milk Tea switch, with its 43.5 gram actuation force, would serve you well. Its unique balance between a high-pitched sound and muted essence caters to those who prefer a subtler yet refined keystroke. Ultimately, align your switch choice with how you interact with your mechanical keyboard—whether you crave an expressive, tactile experience or a smooth, gentle touch with a hint of sophistication.
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