Durock Ice King Linear vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Durock Ice King Linear and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Durock Ice King Linear and the PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to consider your typing preferences. The Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience with its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a frictionless and subdued typing sensation. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch by PH Studio has a unique auditory blend, combining a high-pitched sound with a muted essence for a balanced and pleasant typing experience. With a bottom-out of just 43.5g and the use of Ly for the stem material, the Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions with an effortless feel. 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
52g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Ice King Linear and PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Ice King Linear features nylon top and bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Milk Tea utilizes POM top and bottom housings, creating a more muted and deeper sound profile that is incredibly pleasing. While both switches have different housing materials, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience by producing unique sound profiles.
The use of nylon in the Ice King Linear's housing materials offers a softer and rounder sound profile compared to the Milk Tea's POM housing. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller but fuller sound. On the other hand, POM's unique sound profile is on the deeper side and offers a more muted typing experience. Despite their differences, both housing materials strive to provide users with a pleasant sound experience while typing, catering to different preferences in sound profiles.
When comparing the impact of top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, the qualities of each material are split between the two for a given switch. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound profile and typing feel of a switch, highlighting the importance of selecting the right housing material to suit individual preferences. Both the Ice King Linear and Milk Tea offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials, catering to a variety of sound preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is lighter in both aspects compared to the Ice King. The actuation force of the Ice King is 52 grams, while the Milk Tea requires only 37.5 grams for actuation. Similarly, the Ice King has a bottom out force of 62 grams, whereas the Milk Tea bottoms out at 43.5 grams. The difference in force between the two switches results in a lighter typing experience with the Milk Tea and a more substantial feel with the Ice King. Those who prefer longer typing sessions may lean towards the Milk Tea for its lighter touch, while those seeking a more tactile typing experience may opt for the Ice King. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among users looking for quicker response times, especially gamers. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the Ice King Linear and Milk Tea switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Durock Ice King Linear switch offers a subdued sound when pressed, providing a more muted and subtle sound signature compared to most switches. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound that maintains a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch also has a marbly and resonant quality, offering a clean and sharp sound profile. Depending on personal preference, the Ice King Linear switch may appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, while the Milk Tea switch may suit those who enjoy a sharper and more distinct sound while typing.
In terms of feel, both the Ice King Linear and Milk Tea switches are described as offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The Ice King Linear switch is renowned for its silky and frictionless feel, providing an effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Similarly, the Milk Tea switch is also described as polished and silky, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing feel and make each keystroke feel effortless, making them suitable options for prolonged typing sessions.
Overall, while the Durock Ice King Linear and PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer different sound profiles, they both provide a smooth and refined typing experience. Whether you prefer a quieter and more subdued sound like the Ice King Linear or a sharper and more distinct sound like the Milk Tea, both switches cater to different preferences. Additionally, their shared qualities of offering a silky and polished feel make them suitable options for those seeking a smooth and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Ice King Linear and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, consider your preference for typing force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams and a subdued sound, the Ice King Linear may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 43.5 grams and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Milk Tea switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Ice King Linear is known for its silky feel, while the Milk Tea switch provides a polished and silky sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are seeking. Consider these factors carefully before making your selection.
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