KTT Mallo vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Mallo and PH Studio Milk Tea are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Mallo offers a gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, making it a balanced choice for typists looking for a subtle feedback without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch presents a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound and a muted essence, designed for prolonged typing sessions with its accessible bottom-out weight. While the Mallo is categorized as feathery, mild, neutral, stepped, subdued, subtle, the Milk Tea falls under clacky, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, resonant. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, catering to different preferences. However, let's explore beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and PH Studio Milk Tea both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Milk Tea's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience through their top housings, with the Mallo offering a clear housing for RGB lighting and the Milk Tea providing a pleasing tone.
In terms of bottom housings, the Mallo utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound. Despite the different materials used in the bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles. It is interesting to note how the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the housing materials used in the KTT Mallo and PH Studio Milk Tea switches showcase the diversity in sound profiles that can be achieved through different plastics. While the Mallo focuses on a sharper, clearer sound with polycarbonate, the Milk Tea offers a deeper and more muted sound with POM. Both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience for users, highlighting the importance of housing materials in creating sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether it be a stiffer polycarbonate or softer nylon, these materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall feel and sound of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, the most notable difference is in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has an actuation force of None grams, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact value, and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is considered medium-light. In contrast, the Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it lighter in comparison. The Mallo offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Milk Tea provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Mallo has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. The 4.0mm distance of the Mallo is more traditional, offering a deeper feel when pressed, which some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's 3.6mm distance is slightly shorter, providing a quicker response time that is favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a deeper, more tactile feel with the Mallo or a quicker, more responsive experience with the Milk Tea.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being too obtrusive. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound that is still muted, striking a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. The Milk Tea switch may be more attention-grabbing in terms of sound compared to the more understated Mallo switch.
When it comes to feel, the Mallo switch is characterized by its feathery and mild typing experience, providing a comfortable and gentle feel for extended typing sessions. It falls under the category of switches with more subtle qualities, ensuring a light typing feel and a non-resonant sound signature. Conversely, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Milk Tea switch is designed to enhance the overall smoothness of typing and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo and PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo switch provides a balanced tactility and neutral sound, making it a versatile choice for various typing environments. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched, clacky sound and a smooth typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more attention-grabbing sound profile and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, both switches cater to different tastes ensuring a delightful tactile and auditory experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider the nuances of sound and feel that each switch offers. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a subtle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, the Mallo may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound and a smooth, polished typing experience, the Milk Tea could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and environment to ensure a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
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