Dareu Mahjong vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Dareu Mahjong and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively and poppy sound signature along with an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch, manufactured by BSUN, boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a perfect balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly for enhanced ease of typing, the Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, it's essential to delve deeper to determine which one best suits your typing preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Mahjong and the PH Studio Milk Tea, we find that both switches have unique qualities that contribute to their overall sound and feel. The Mahjong's POK top housing is known for its smoothness and durability, providing a clacky sound while being strong and wear-resistant. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a more muted and pleasing sound, with a deeper tone. While the materials are different, both contribute to the switches' sound profiles in distinct ways.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Mahjong utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Milk Tea also uses POM for its bottom housing, contributing to a deep and muted sound profile. While the materials differ, they both offer unique acoustic characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience of the switches.
When considering the impact of having different top and bottom housing materials, it's important to note that each material plays a role in shaping the sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Although the Dareu Mahjong and the PH Studio Milk Tea have different housing materials for their tops and bottoms, they both deliver distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Mahjong linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea is lighter in both aspects. The Mahjong has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams. Furthermore, the Mahjong does not specify a bottom out force, while the Milk Tea has a lower bottom out force of 43.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Milk Tea would be the ideal choice. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Mahjong could be a better option despite the lack of information on bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The Dareu Mahjong 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. In this case, the Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mahjong switch. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. Those looking for a more responsive typing experience may prefer either of these switches. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Milk Tea switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Mahjong has an MSRP of $8.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mahjong for $5.79.
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 Mahjong linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Milk Tea linear switch presents a unique blend of clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant characteristics, creating a sharp and crisp sound with a touch of subtlety. This difference in sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences and atmospheres.
When comparing the feel of the switches, both the Mahjong and Milk Tea linear switches are described as providing a polished typing experience. This indicates a smooth and refined feel, resulting in reduced friction and effortless key travel. The Mahjong switch is noted for its bouncy and mild characteristics, offering a lively and gentle typing sensation, while the Milk Tea switch adds a silky smooth typing experience to the mix, further enhancing the overall comfort and ease of use during prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Mahjong linear switch and the Milk Tea linear switch share some similarities in terms of providing a polished typing experience, they offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Mahjong switch delivers a neutral sound suitable for various settings, while the Milk Tea switch combines clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant characteristics for a unique auditory blend. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches offering a premium typing experience tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering which linear switch to choose between the Dareu Mahjong and PH Studio Milk Tea, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lively sound signature and poppy typing experience, the Mahjong switch with its distinctive color scheme may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique auditory blend with a balance of high-pitched sound and muted essence, along with a lighter bottom-out force for extended typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch could be the ideal companion for your keyboard. Consider whether you prefer a neutral sound profile or a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, or resonant sound, as well as whether you prefer a bouncy, mild, or polished and silky typing feel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and preferences.
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