Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw 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, the Keygeek Raw and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its creamy yet lightweight feel, thanks to its blend of Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon materials. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, ideal for prolonged typing sessions with its light 43.5g bottom-out force. While the Keygeek Raw provides a textured and mild typing experience, the Milk Tea switch offers a clacky and high-pitched feel. 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
N/A
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw features a unique Nylon & UPE blend top housing, providing a distinct typing experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea utilizes a POM top housing known for its pleasing and muted sound profile. While both materials offer their own set of characteristics, the Nylon & UPE blend may provide a slightly different feel and sound compared to the POM housing of the Milk Tea. However, both options are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their respective qualities.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Keygeek Raw consists of a UMPE & Si blend, which is also exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. Similarly, the PH Studio Milk Tea incorporates a POM bottom housing to complement the top housing material. The blend of UMPE & Si in the Keygeek Raw may offer a unique key press sensation compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea. Despite the differences in materials, both bottom housings are aimed at improving the overall typing feel and sound of the switches.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the choice of housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switches. While the Keygeek Raw and PH Studio Milk Tea may have differing top and bottom housing materials, the resulting typing experience may be quite similar. The Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing and UMPE & Si blend bottom housing work in harmony to provide a distinct feel, just as the POM top and bottom housing of the Milk Tea create a satisfying sound profile. Ultimately, both switches prioritize enhancing the typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has no specified actuation force, while the Milk Tea requires 37.5 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw is heavier at 57.5 grams compared to the lighter 43.5 grams of the Milk Tea. This means that the Keygeek Raw offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Milk Tea provides a lighter touch for smoother and quicker typing. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out force of the Milk Tea for longer typing sessions, while others may appreciate the heavier Keygeek Raw for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual typing style and preference for key switch weight.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Keygeek Raw has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea, which may provide a slightly quicker key press experience. However, the difference of 0.2 mm is not significant, and both switches will likely feel similar in terms of travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 Keygeek Raw is a neutral switch, offering a moderate sound profile suitable for various users and environments. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch from PH Studio presents a unique combination of clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant qualities, creating a sharp yet muted auditory experience. The choice between the two switches would depend on one's preference for a more neutral sound versus a sharper, more pronounced sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a slightly textured and mild typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a subtle resistance without excessive friction. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch is polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing feel with minimal friction and resistance. The decision between the two switches would involve choosing between a slightly textured, mild feel and a polished, silky typing experience.
Overall, both the Keygeek Raw and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound and slightly textured feel, the Milk Tea switch delivers a more pronounced and polished auditory and tactile experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from these two distinct linear switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Raw linear switch or the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, you should take into account your preferences in terms of bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and a unique material blend crafted for a creamy yet lightweight feel, the Keygeek Raw switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a switch designed for prolonged typing sessions with a polished and silky smooth typing experience, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your specific typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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