Gateron Melodic vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and PH Studio Milk Tea stand out as popular choices in their respective categories. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that combines classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with smoothness, thanks to advancements like factory lubing and dual-railed stems. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea is a linear switch known for its unique auditory blend, offering a high-pitched yet muted sound for a balanced typing experience. While the Melodic switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy', the Milk Tea switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. Depending on your preference for clicky feedback or a smoother typing experience, you may lean towards the Melodic or Milk Tea switch. 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
N/A
Actuation force
37.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the PH Studio Milk Tea, we can see that they both offer unique characteristics. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Milk Tea boasts a POM top housing, providing a deeper and more muted sound. While the Melodic's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer plastic composition, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing contributes to the same deep and muted sound profile. Despite their differences in housing materials, both switches offer a pleasing sound experience.
Where the Melodic and the Milk Tea differ in their top housing materials, they make up for in their bottom housings. The Melodic's nylon bottom housing offers a duller and rounder sound profile due to its softness, while the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing contributes to a similarly deep and muted sound experience. This showcases how the choice of housing material can affect the overall sound profile of a switch. While the top housing may impact the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing has more of an influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of typing on the switch.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. Whether it be the sharp and high-pitched sound of the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing or the deep and muted sound of the Milk Tea's POM top housing, both switches provide a pleasing typing experience. Similarly, the fuller sound of the Melodic's nylon bottom housing and the deep sound of the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing showcase how different materials can impact the overall sound profile of a switch. In terms of aesthetics and sound, both switches offer distinct qualities for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch reveals some interesting differences. The Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance for key presses, while its actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. This makes the Milk Tea switch lighter overall compared to the Melodic switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Milk Tea switch more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while individuals who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the Melodic switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Melodic switch offers a bit more depth in its travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying keypress feeling. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch provides a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience similar to stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp and snappy when pressed, providing a bright and percussive tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Melodic being more resonant and the Milk Tea offering a sharper and more clacky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is often described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates a seamless and immersive typing sensation for users. In comparison, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is known for its polished and silky feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Melodic focusing on a more pronounced feedback while the Milk Tea prioritizes smoothness and ease of keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic provides a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Milk Tea offers a clacky and high-pitched sound with a polished and silky smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. If the user enjoys the qualities of one switch, they can expect similar results in that aspect from either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating typing feel, the Melodic switch is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and appreciate a clacky, high-pitched, and marbly sound profile with a polished and silky typing feel, the Milk Tea switch would be the ideal option. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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