Gateron Ink Box Black vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Milk Tea mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Box Black stands out for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished', this switch offers a satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a distinct tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch by PH Studio, crafted by BSUN, features a unique auditory blend of high-pitched tones with a subtle, muted essence, striking a balance between presence and subtlety. With a light bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly for effortless keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions. 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
60g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases the different auditory experiences that users can enjoy with each switch. Additionally, the bottom housing materials contribute to the overall tactile feel of the switches, with the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black emphasizing a pointed and high-pitched sensation, and the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea offering a deeper and more muted feel.
Despite their differences in sound profile and tactile feel, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Milk Tea housing materials are designed to enhance the overall typing experience. The use of proprietary materials such as the INK blend and POM demonstrate a commitment to creating unique and satisfying switch options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Ink Box Black may be more inclined towards a sharper and clacky sound, the Milk Tea leans towards a deeper and more subdued profile. Both switches provide an opportunity for users to customize their typing experience based on their personal preferences for sound and feel.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black and the PH Studio Milk Tea ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and tactile feel. While the Ink Box Black offers a more pointed and higher-pitched sound profile, the Milk Tea provides a deeper and more muted experience. Both switches excel in creating unique typing experiences, with their housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall feel and sound of the switches. Whether you prefer a clacky and sharp sensation or a deeper and more muted feel, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that can elevate your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch. The Ink Box Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, whereas the Milk Tea only needs 37.5 grams to actuate and 43.5 grams to bottom out. This makes the Milk Tea a lighter option overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea would be the better choice, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the heavier force of the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent feedback and feel when pressing down on keys with either switch. Ultimately, the travel distance of both switches offers a smooth and efficient typing experience for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches both exhibit a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The Ink Box Black produces a sharp and bright sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, while the Milk Tea switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched tones with a muted essence, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch also includes descriptors such as marbly and resonant, which further contribute to its immersive auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound of these switches will also be influenced by factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, but both switches offer a satisfying sound experience.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and PH Studio Milk Tea switches are lauded for their smoothness and polished finish. The Ink Box Black is described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similarly, the Milk Tea switch is also characterized as polished and silky, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for comfortable typing sessions. The use of Ly for the stem material in the Milk Tea switch further enhances the effortless feel of every keystroke. Overall, whether you choose the Gateron Ink Box Black or the PH Studio Milk Tea switch, you can expect a smooth and refined typing experience that prioritizes comfort and ease of use.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Ink Box Black and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches offer exceptional sound and feel qualities for keyboard enthusiasts. While the sound profile of the switches may differ slightly, both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience with their clacky and high-pitched tones. Additionally, the smooth and polished feel of the switches ensures a comfortable typing experience, making them ideal companions for extended typing sessions. Whether you opt for the creamy smoothness of the Ink Box Black or the unique auditory blend of the Milk Tea switch, you can expect similar levels of quality and performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a clacky, high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force for prolonged typing sessions, along with a polished, silky typing feel and a unique marbly, resonant sound profile, the Milk Tea switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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