Zuoce Lavender vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Lavender and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Zuoce Lavender and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches are two popular options worth considering. The Lavender switch is known for its exceptional smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature, making each keystroke satisfying. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, catering to those who enjoy a balance between presence and subtlety during prolonged typing sessions. While the Lavender switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Milk Tea switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. 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
48g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Zuoce Lavender and PH Studio Milk Tea both feature POM top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. This shared housing material ensures that both switches offer a consistent sound experience, making them ideal choices for users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Additionally, the use of POM material for both the top and bottom housings allows for a balanced feel when typing, as the qualities of the material are evenly distributed throughout the switch.
Despite the similarities in their housing materials, the Zuoce Lavender and PH Studio Milk Tea may offer slightly different typing experiences due to variations in their design and construction. The qualities of the bottom housing, which have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, will influence how each switch feels when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing will play a larger role in the sound that occurs when a key is released, adding another layer of customization to the overall sound profile of the switch. These subtle differences can result in a unique typing experience for users who are sensitive to sound and tactile feedback.
Overall, the use of POM material in both the top and bottom housings of the Zuoce Lavender and PH Studio Milk Tea ensures a consistent and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While the impact of the housing material may vary slightly between the two switches, both offer a balanced typing experience that caters to users who value a quieter and more tactile feel when typing. Whether you choose the Lavender or Milk Tea, you can expect a high-quality switch that delivers on both sound and performance.
Weight
The Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender requires 53 grams, while the Milk Tea only needs 43.5 grams. This means that while the Lavender provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Milk Tea offers a lighter overall feel, making it better for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have a similar medium-light actuation force, so if you enjoy that level of resistance, you can expect similar results from either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The Zuoce Lavender 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 a more responsive typing or gaming experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Milk Tea switch to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 considering the sound qualities of the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, both switches are described as having a "clacky" sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. However, the Lavender switch offers a crisper and brighter sound, while the Milk Tea switch has a higher pitch with a muted essence, creating a balance between presence and subtlety. Additionally, the Milk Tea switch is also noted for its "marbly" and "resonant" sound characteristics, adding to its unique auditory blend. Ultimately, both switches offer an enjoyable typing experience with distinct sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as "easy-to-press," offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typists' comfort and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is characterized as "polished" and "silky," providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing feel by offering a responsive and comfortable typing experience, catering to individuals with varying preferences for keypress feel.
Overall, the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch present unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Lavender switch emphasizes a crisp and clacky sound along with an easy-to-press feel, the Milk Tea switch offers a high-pitched, marbly sound profile paired with a polished and silky typing experience. Whether users prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both factors, both switches provide an enjoyable and satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results regardless of their choice between the Lavender and Milk Tea switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Zuoce Lavender linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom-out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a crisp and clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a unique blend of high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sounds, along with a polished and silky typing feel, the Milk Tea switch might suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
