Gateron Lunar Probe vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the PH Studio Milk Tea stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts who prefer a linear feel. The Gateron Lunar Probe is celebrated for its innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures stable and consistent keypresses, offering users an incredibly smooth typing experience complemented by a subtle sound signature. This switch is particularly appealing to those who prioritize reliability and a seamless tactile feedback without distractions. Conversely, the PH Studio Milk Tea, crafted by BSUN, presents a unique auditory experience with a fairly high-pitched yet muted sound profile. Its use of Ly for the stem material enhances the effortless feel of each keystroke, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more characterful yet still refined typing sensation. While both switches are linear and aim to create a smooth typing experience, their distinct attributes cater to different preferences—one focusing on stability and an unobtrusive sound, while the other balances presence with subtlety. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Double-staged spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches feature contrasting materials in their top housings, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The Lunar Probe utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile that's inherently more resonant due to the material's stiffness. This clarity of sound, coupled with the top housing's translucency, enhances the experience when using RGB lighting, making it visually striking as well. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch opts for a POM top housing, which creates a significantly deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast means that while the Lunar Probe offers a brighter auditory experience, the Milk Tea presents a more subdued but pleasing acoustic quality.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a notable similarity emerges. The Lunar Probe employs a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a fuller, deeper sound. This is in line with the Milk Tea's use of POM for the bottom housing, which also yields a deeper sound profile, albeit more muted. Both materials absorb some sound, contributing to a more rounded auditory experience. As a result, the deeper sound signature common to both switches can still create a satisfying typing experience, even though the qualities injected by their respective materials vary. This synthesis of each switch's design leads to an interesting comparison, as the bottom housing’s properties guide the overall feel and sound when keys are depressed.
Ultimately, the interplay of materials between the two switches culminates in distinct yet complementary auditory experiences. While the top housings highlight a divide in sound profiles—sharp versus muted—the bottom housings converge on a deeper sound quality. With the Lunar Probe’s crisper top and the Milk Tea’s muted approach, the switches will each cater to different preferences. Nonetheless, the potential for users to achieve a satisfying sound and feel remains intact across the board, as both designs leverage their respective materials to create unique interpretations of the typing experience. Whether one prefers the lively sound of polycarbonate or the muted nature of POM, the end result is a thoughtfully designed switch that stands out in its own right.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milk Tea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This makes the Milk Tea the lighter option overall, catering to users who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lunar Probe, being slightly heavier, may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Although both switches are on the lighter end of the spectrum, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces indicate that the Milk Tea offers an even easier keystroke activation compared to the Lunar Probe, providing distinct tactile experiences for users.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity ensures that both switches can deliver a comparable typing experience in terms of the depth and feel of key presses. As a result, if you're looking for uniformity in your typing experience, using either switch will yield similar results due to their equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is characterized by a subtle sound signature that aligns well with its smooth keystroke, offering a muted auditory experience. This makes it suitable for a quieter typing environment where the focus is on minimal distraction. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a more complex auditory profile. It is described as high-pitched and resonant, resulting in a clacky and percussive sound that is crisp and bright. This higher-pitched quality adds a layer of auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound without becoming overly harsh.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Lunar Probe is recognized for its incredibly smooth and consistent keypresses, largely attributable to Gateron's unique dual rail mechanism. This results in a refined typing experience that is both stable and satisfying. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch excels with its polished and silky characteristics, offering a smooth and effortless typing feel. The use of Ly for the stem material contributes to this sensation, making every keystroke feel fluid and comfortable, highlighting a difference in tactile experience that some users may prefer over the more utilitarian feel of the Lunar Probe.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Lunar Probe and PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches cater to different preferences, enabling users to find the perfect match for their typing style. The Lunar Probe is ideal for individuals seeking a quieter typing solution with a smooth feel, while the Milk Tea appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced sound profile and an exceptionally polished typing experience. Depending on which qualities resonate more with you, either switch can deliver a satisfying performance, ensuring that your typing experience can be tailored to your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Lunar Probe and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound profile. If you value a smooth and consistent typing experience with a slightly subdued sound, the Lunar Probe might be more suitable for you. Its dual rail mechanism ensures stable keypresses and the pre-lubed design contributes to a buttery smooth feel, making it an excellent option for long typing sessions or gaming where precision matters. On the other hand, if you prefer a more engaging auditory experience alongside smooth key presses, the Milk Tea switch may be the better choice. Its unique high-pitched, clacky sound strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more percussive typing experience. Additionally, the polished feel of the Milk Tea enhances its appeal, providing an effortless keystroke that you might find particularly satisfying for both casual typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desired sound profile and tactile feedback, ensuring that your keyboard feels just right for your specific needs.
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