Gateron Jupiter Red vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Jupiter Red and PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jupiter Red is praised for its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, medium-heavy actuation, and softer backlight effects, providing a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea stands out for its unique auditory blend, featuring a high-pitched sound with a muted essence and a bottom-out force of just 43.5g, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. While the Jupiter Red may be preferred for its seamless typing experience, the Milk Tea switch could be a better choice for those looking for a blend of presence and subtlety in their keystrokes. 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing materials. The Jupiter Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the deeper and more muted sound produced by the POM top housing of the Milk Tea. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing also allows for enhanced visibility of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their keyboard's appearance.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches offer distinct qualities that impact the overall typing experience. The Jupiter Red features a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM bottom housing, contributing to a similarly deep sound profile but with a more muted tone. While the top housing material influences the sound when pressing a key, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches.
Overall, while the Jupiter Red and Milk Tea switches differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Jupiter Red delivers a clear and resonant sound with enhanced RGB lighting effects, while the POM top housing of the Milk Tea produces a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon and POM bottom housings of the switches contribute to the overall sound profile, with the softer nylon creating a fuller sound on the Jupiter Red and the POM offering a unique tone on the Milk Tea. Ultimately, both switches provide users with options to customize their keyboard sound based on their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance. On the other hand, the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, offering a gentler typing experience. The Jupiter Red is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Milk Tea, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. However, for those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Milk Tea would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches caters to different preferences for typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Red switch. The shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea switch may appeal to gamers seeking fast response times, while the Jupiter Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation even though one is slightly shorter than the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It provides a moderate sound level that won't be too distracting or too quiet, fitting well into most settings. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. This switch can be a good choice for those who prefer a more distinct and slightly quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches are described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction. This results in a sleek and effortless typing feel, with keys gliding smoothly under your fingertips. The use of materials and potential factory lubing contributes to this luxurious sensation, making these switches comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches provide a high-quality typing experience with different sound profiles but similar smooth and polished feels. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, either switch could be a great choice for those looking for a linear switch option. Ultimately, users can expect a consistent and comfortable typing experience with either of these switches, tailored to their specific preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a medium actuation force and a smooth, consistent typing experience, the Jupiter Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, the Milk Tea switch might be more suitable. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as the bottom-out force that feels most comfortable for your typing style, when making your decision. Both switches offer their own distinct qualities, so choosing between them will depend on what aspects of typing experience you value the most.
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