Gateron Ink Red vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Ink Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it a great choice for those with a lighter typing style. It offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, manufactured by BSUN, provides a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g, it is designed for prolonged typing sessions and offers effortless keystrokes. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and benefits, catering to different 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
45g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer distinct sound profiles. The Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a thin, high-pitched, clacky sound, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper, more muted sound. This difference in sound is attributed to the material properties of each housing, with the INK blend delivering a sharper tone compared to the POM's smoother resonance.
Similarly, the bottom housing of the Gateron Ink Red and PH Studio Milk Tea switches also contributes to their overall sound profiles. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red provides a high-pitched, clacky sound, while the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted tone. As with the top housing materials, the bottom housing material influences the tactile feedback and sound of the switch when it reaches the bottom of the keystroke.
Despite the differences in their top and bottom housing materials, the Gateron Ink Red and PH Studio Milk Tea switches share a common characteristic in their design approach. Both switches aim to provide a unique and satisfying typing experience through the distinct sound profiles generated by their housing materials. Whether it's the sharp, clacky sound of the Ink Red's INK blend or the deep, muted resonance of the Milk Tea's POM housing, both switches offer tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch both offer a smooth typing experience, but they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Ink Red has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance level. In contrast, the PH Studio 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 lightweight option. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch would be the better choice. However, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Ink Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the Ink Red. The Ink Red falls within the more traditional range of travel distances, while the Milk Tea is on the shallower end. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Milk Tea due to its shorter travel distance, providing a quicker keystroke. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press and more tactile feedback, the Ink Red with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Red linear switch is most commonly described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing scenarios. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched and muted tones, creating a gentle yet distinct auditory experience. While the Ink Red gives off a crispy and clacky sound, the Milk Tea delivers a more high-pitched and resonant effect, making it stand out in terms of acoustic qualities.
Moving on to feel, both the Ink Red and Milk Tea switches are praised for their smooth typing experiences. The Ink Red is often described as silky and mild, offering a refined and gentle touch to typing. Similarly, the Milk Tea switch is also noted for its polished and silky feel, emphasizing smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing sessions. Each switch provides a comfortable and effortless typing experience, catering to users who prefer a smoother key press.
Overall, while the Gateron Ink Red and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities, both are designed to enhance the typing experience with their smoothness and unique auditory profiles. Whether you prefer the neutral, crispy sound of the Ink Red or the high-pitched, resonant sound of the Milk Tea, both switches are excellent options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, but rest assured, you can expect a comparable level of quality and performance from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, consider the typing style and preferences that best suit your needs. If you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a crisp and clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom out force and a unique auditory blend that balances presence and subtlety, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch could be the perfect match. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors such as actuation force preference, sound profile, and typing feel to ensure a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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