HMX Jelly vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the HMX Jelly and the PH Studio Milk Tea, both linear switches. The HMX Jelly is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature and has a lightweight actuation force of 42g, providing a super smooth keystroke thanks to its excellent factory lube. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea, manufactured by BSUN, offers a unique auditory experience with its fairly high-pitched yet muted sound, achieving a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Its stem material, Ly, contributes to an effortless keystroke, making it appealing for users who value a refined and polished typing sensation. While both switches offer unique characteristics catering to different preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.

By the numbers

HMX Jelly Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The HMX Jelly and PH Studio Milk Tea switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials—nylon for the Jelly and POM for the Milk Tea—each offering unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Jelly's nylon top and bottom housings contribute to a deeper and fuller sound, as the softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. This results in a typing experience characterized by a duller, rounder sound that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Milk Tea employs POM, a material known for producing a unique sound that is similarly on the deeper side but offers a more muted quality compared to nylon. Both materials, while differing in their sound characteristics, aim to create an enjoyable auditory experience for the typist.

Delving deeper, the influence of each housing on the overall sound is accentuated by their locations in the switch assembly. The Jelly's nylon bottom housing is integral to the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a cushioned response upon key actuation. Meanwhile, the top housing—also made from nylon—plays a critical role in the release sound when the key is lifted. Conversely, in the Milk Tea switches, the POM bottom housing similarly affects the bottom-out sound and provides a tailored tactile experience, whereas the POM top housing governs the more muted release sound. Though the materials differ, the way each impacts the typing experience is crucial, highlighting how the interplay between the two housings can yield varying auditory nuances.

In conclusion, while the HMX Jelly and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches utilize different materials for their housings, the overall sound profile achieved can be somewhat comparable due to the design intentions behind each switch. Users seeking to replicate the deeper sound of the Jelly can choose to exploit the similarly resonant qualities of the Milk Tea’s POM material. Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of nylon and POM can offer typists an opportunity to choose based on personal preference—whether they lean towards the fuller sound of the Jelly or the uniquely muted resonance of the Milk Tea, both options emphasize a delightful typing experience grounded in the materials chosen.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Jelly linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, both exhibit light characteristics, suitable for users seeking a comfortable typing experience over extended periods. The Jelly switch features an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Milk Tea switch has a slightly 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 than the Jelly switch, making it the lighter option overall. However, the bottom out force of the Jelly switch is higher than that of the Milk Tea switch, indicating that users may experience a more substantial push feel when fully depressing the Jelly switch. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch provides a lighter, softer landing. Overall, for those prioritizing minimal actuation force for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Milk Tea switch may be a more favorable choice, while the Jelly switch might appeal to individuals preferring a firmer bottom out sensation.

Travel distance

The HMX Jelly linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Jelly switch provides a deeper key press compared to the Milk Tea, making it ideal for those who may prefer a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times, as it requires less distance to actuate, allowing for faster key presses. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that allows for a more pronounced feel, the HMX Jelly would be the better choice, while the PH Studio Milk Tea caters to those favoring speed and agility in their typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Jelly switch is characterized by a low-pitched, deep thocky sound signature, delivering a rich auditory presence that often resonates well in a variety of settings. This contrasts sharply with the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, which offers a unique auditory experience with a fairly high-pitched sound that, while still maintaining a subdued quality, creates a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The sound profiles of these two switches are distinctly different, with the Jelly providing a bassier thock while the Milk Tea leans towards a more crisp and bright tone, reminiscent of the clacky or marbly characteristics typical in high-pitched switches.

When examining the feel of each switch, the HMX Jelly switch boasts super smooth operation thanks to its excellent factory lube and a lightweight 42g actuation force, promoting a fluid typing experience without any added resistance. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, indicating a refined finish that enhances the overall smoothness of key travel. These qualities lead to an effortless keystroke experience, focusing on minimal friction and smooth key presses. While both switches offer smooth operation, the Jelly is particularly lightweight, which could influence how they feel during extended typing sessions.

In conclusion, both the HMX Jelly and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences. The Jelly provides a deeper, more bass-oriented sound while offering a lightweight and smooth feel, ideal for users who enjoy a richer auditory experience. The Milk Tea, contrastingly, offers a higher-pitched yet muted sound with a silky, polished tactile sensation making it suitable for those who prefer a more refined typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper thocky sound or a more subtle, high-pitched auditory signature in conjunction with the corresponding feel of each switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Jelly linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. If you enjoy a deeper, thocky sound with a robust tactile feel, the Jelly switch, with its 48g bottom-out force and super smooth operation, is an excellent choice. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate a low-pitched auditory experience that enhances the typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with an overall higher-pitched and clacky sound profile, the Milk Tea switch with a bottom-out force of 43.5g may be more to your liking. Its polished, silky feel and resonant sound provide a more refined experience, perfect for users looking to balance auditory presence with subtlety. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing habits and sound preferences, ensuring you select the switch that aligns best with how you enjoy interacting with your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more