TTC Ice vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice 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 Ice and PH Studio Milk Tea stand out as two compelling linear options, each offering a distinct typing experience. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its crystal-clear design and smooth, responsive feel, which provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that caters well to both gamers and those seeking an enjoyable everyday typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea, manufactured by BSUN, introduces a unique auditory character with its fairly high-pitched yet muted sound profile. Thanks to the ly material used for the stem, the Milk Tea ensures that keystrokes feel effortless while delivering a clacky and resonant typing experience. With these distinctive characteristics, the Ice leans toward a premium, polished feel, while the Milk Tea offers a playful blend of auditory presence and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Ice and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches, we observe a distinct contrast between polycarbonate and POM. The Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is characterized by its stiffness, leading to clear and resonant acoustics, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the Milk Tea utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, which produces a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. POM contributes to a unique auditory experience, emphasizing warmth over the clarity that polycarbonate offers. Therefore, the materials alone define the fundamental auditory characteristics of each switch.
The differences in sound profiles between the two switches derive from their respective housing materials. The TTC Ice, with its polycarbonate makeup, is more likely to produce a vibrant and lively sound when keys are actuated or released, thanks to its inherent properties that enhance higher frequencies. In contrast, the Milk Tea's POM housing, which lends itself to a muted and deeper tone, results in a more subdued and soft auditory experience. Thus, a user preferring a crisp and sparkling feedback will likely gravitate towards the Ice, while someone who enjoys a rounded and fuller sound might prefer the Milk Tea. These differences impact the overall feel and auditory response of the switches, offering distinct experiences for each user based on their material preference.
However, should these switches adopt a hybrid approach, combining polycarbonate with POM within their housings, they could potentially yield a balanced sound profile that takes advantage of the strengths of both materials. If one were to utilize a polycarbonate top housing paired with a POM bottom housing, for instance, the resulting sound would exhibit a blend of clarity when key releases occur, along with a deeper sound when keys bottom out. This mixed-material approach could allow for a more nuanced auditory experience, capturing the crispness of polycarbonate while still incorporating the warmth of POM. Hence, exploring such combinations could lead to a diverse range of sound profiles catering to varying preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The TTC Ice features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a more delicate option. This means that users who favor a softer touch and longer typing sessions may gravitate towards the Milk Tea switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel will likely prefer the TTC Ice. The actuation and bottom out forces of these switches highlight their differing characteristics, offering choices that cater to varying typing preferences. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter switch with less effort required to actuate, the Milk Tea is the better choice, while the Ice will appeal to those seeking a heavier and more pronounced tactile experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness when pressing down on the keys in either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, those seeking a consistent typing experience will find that they can achieve similar results whether they choose the Ice or the Milk Tea switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Ice linear switch impresses with its satisfying bottom-out sound, providing a crisp auditory feedback that enhances the overall experience for users. This switch promotes a clear sound that is well-suited for gaming and everyday typing alike, offering a nice balance that is neither overly loud nor too muted. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch delivers a unique auditory experience characterized by its fairly high-pitched sound, capturing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Furthermore, the Milk Tea switch relates to descriptors such as clacky, marbly, and resonant, suggesting that it produces a sharp, clean, and crisp sound that can be quite engaging, although it leans towards a more muted profile compared to some of its high-pitched counterparts.
In terms of feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is noted for its smooth and responsive feel, making it an excellent choice for users who value both speed and comfort in their keystrokes. While the specific details of the Ice's tactile feedback may not be elaborated upon, its overall performance aligns well with those looking for a solid typing experience. Conversely, the Milk Tea switch is described as both polished and silky, which implies that it offers an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. The use of high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing contributes to reduced friction, making key presses feel effortless and enjoyable.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch realm. The Ice switch provides a crystal-clear auditory feedback with a satisfying bottom-out sound and a smooth feel, ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and a balanced sound profile. Meanwhile, the Milk Tea switch offers a distinctive high-pitched auditory experience with its clacky and resonant qualities, combined with a polished and silky feel that enhances typing comfort. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver an impressive typing experience, so exploring both options can lead to a satisfying outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenario. If you appreciate a robust experience that balances responsive typing with a satisfying soundscape, the Ice switch may be ideal for you. With its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a solid feel that can cater well to both gaming and daily tasks, all while providing the clear aesthetics and auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. However, if you prefer a lighter touch and are looking for a more effortless typing experience, you might lean towards the Milk Tea switch. With a lower bottom-out force of 43.5 grams, this switch is designed for those who seek a sleek, polished keystroke with a unique auditory blend that is both high-pitched and muted, making it fantastic for quieter environments or extended typing sessions. In the end, your decision should reflect your comfort level, typing habits, and aesthetic preferences, ensuring that you select a switch that elevates your keyboard experience to the next level.
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