KTT Matcha vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Matcha and PH Studio Milk Tea stand out as popular choices with unique characteristics. The KTT Matcha is a tactile switch known for its comfortable and snappy tactility, providing users with a clean bottom-out sound thanks to its long pole stem. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea is a linear switch manufactured by BSUN, offering a high-pitched yet muted sound profile and a light bottom-out force for extended typing sessions. While the Matcha is praised for its stepped and accented feel, the Milk Tea is appreciated for its polished and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preferences and typing habits. 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 Matcha Tactile

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Matcha and PH Studio Milk Tea both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Matcha utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Milk Tea employs POM for both its top and bottom housings, producing a deeper and more muted sound. While the Matcha's polycarbonate housing is translucent and ideal for RGB lighting effects, the Milk Tea's POM housing offers a pleasing and unique sound experience.

However, when comparing the top and bottom housings of the Matcha and Milk Tea, there are noticeable differences in sound characteristics. The Matcha's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and clearer sound when key presses are released, while its polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the overall impact and feel of bottom-out sounds. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM top housing results in a deeper and more muted sound when keys are released, while its POM bottom housing influences the quality of bottom-out sounds. This division of housing materials highlights the importance of both top and bottom housings in determining the overall sound profile of a switch.

In conclusion, while the KTT Matcha and PH Studio Milk Tea share similarities in using polycarbonate and POM for their housing materials respectively, they offer distinct sound experiences. The Matcha's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for those seeking a more vibrant typing experience, while the Milk Tea's POM housing produces a deeper and more muted sound for a unique typing sensation. Whether choosing a switch with polycarbonate or POM housing, both options offer excellent sound profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams compared to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch with an actuation force of 37.5 grams. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a softer touch while typing or gaming. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Matcha requires 45 grams, whereas the Milk Tea needs 43.5 grams. This indicates that the Matcha has a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a bit more resistance when fully pressing the keys. Overall, both switches offer a light touch, but the Matcha may offer a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its marginally higher bottom out force. Users looking for a softer feel may prefer the Milk Tea, while those seeking a touch of resistance may lean towards the Matcha for their keyboard needs.

Travel distance

The KTT Matcha 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 makes the Milk Tea switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Matcha switch. The Matcha switch with its 4 mm travel distance is more traditional and offers a more substantial keypress feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to users looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding keypress depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Matcha offers a clacky and crisp sound when pressed, thanks to its sharp and snappy characteristics. On the other hand, the Milk Tea produces a more complex auditory experience with its high-pitched, marbly, and resonant profile, creating a unique blend of sharpness and subtlety. Both switches provide a distinct sound signature, but the Milk Tea offers a more diverse range of tones.

Moving on to feel, the Matcha switch delivers a stepped and snappy tactile experience, offering a responsive typing feel with a comfortable tactility. In comparison, the Milk Tea switch provides a polished and silky smooth typing experience, resulting in reduced friction and enhanced key travel. While the Matcha emphasizes responsiveness and tactility, the Milk Tea prioritizes smoothness and refinement in its keystrokes.

In conclusion, the KTT Matcha and PH Studio Milk Tea switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Matcha excels in providing a sharp and snappy sound with a responsive and comfortable tactile feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea showcases a more diverse auditory profile with a polished and silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing needs, ensuring a satisfying and tailored mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers. With their individual strengths, users can expect similar exceptional results in their keyboard setups when choosing either the Matcha or the Milk Tea switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom-out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a light bottom-out force and enjoy a snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom-out force and value a unique auditory blend with a balance between presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea switch might be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the tactile feedback of the Matcha or the linear smoothness of the Milk Tea, both switches offer their own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Matcha Tactile

$5.20

$4.88 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more