KTT Lightning vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Lightning and the PH Studio Milk Tea. The Lightning is well-known for its speed and precision, making it perfect for gamers looking to gain an edge with milliseconds deciding victory or defeat. With a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile, the Lightning offers a unique experience categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Chirpy', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch by PH Studio offers a different experience with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out weight of just 43.5g and a stem material that enhances ease of typing, the Milk Tea switch is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', it caters to those who appreciate a soft yet distinct typing 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

KTT Lightning Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$3.41 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the PH Studio Milk Tea both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Lightning's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, perfect for emphasizing high-pitched tones. In contrast, the Milk Tea's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, creating a different auditory experience for users. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency, the POM top housing of the Milk Tea offers a more understated aesthetic.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Lightning's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the typing experience for users. Similarly, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, complementing the characteristics of the top housing. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, albeit with slightly different tonal qualities due to the variation in bottom housing materials.

Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the KTT Lightning and PH Studio Milk Tea differ, they each play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Lightning creates a unique blend of sharpness and depth, while the POM materials in the Milk Tea offer a more consistent tone throughout. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with RGB lighting capabilities or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches provide an enjoyable and tactile typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is evident that both switches are on the lighter side. The Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. The actuation force of the Milk Tea is slightly lighter than that of the Lightning, but both switches offer a similar level of responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the slight difference in actuation force.

Travel distance

The KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Lightning switch due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Milk Tea switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches both offer a clacky sound profile, providing a crisp and percussive auditory experience. While the Lightning switch also presents a high-pitched and chirpy sound, the Milk Tea switch introduces a unique marbly and resonant essence to the sound, creating a balance between sharpness and cleanliness. Depending on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard and keycaps, users can expect distinct sound characteristics from each switch.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Lightning switch delivers a subtle typing experience with gentle resistance, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, it offers a polished finish for a refined and smooth keypress. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch also boasts a polished construction, ensuring reduced friction and a sleek typing feel. With its silky smoothness, users can expect an effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize comfort and ease of use during prolonged typing tasks.

Considering all the available information, newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can expect a unique and tailored experience from the KTT Lightning and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches. While the Lightning switch emphasizes speed and a clacky sound profile, the Milk Tea switch focuses on a balance of high-pitched and marbly sounds with a silky smooth feel. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. However, both switches are crafted with quality materials and design elements that promise an enjoyable and efficient typing journey for users.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the KTT Lightning linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider your needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch with its 50g bottom-out force may be the better option for you, especially in competitive gaming scenarios where milliseconds matter. On the other hand, if you value a unique auditory blend with a balance between high-pitched sound and muted essence, along with a lighter 43.5g bottom-out force for prolonged typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to think about how these factors align with your usage and typing style before making a decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

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PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more