PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched but muted sound, making it a great choice for those who seek a balance between presence and subtlety during extended typing sessions. With its lightweight 43.5g bottom-out force and smooth Ly stem material, it promises effortless keystrokes for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a gentle tactile feedback without the loud clack, making it perfect for office environments where quiet professionalism is key. While both switches have their own advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing needs. 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
37.5g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Mini i both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Milk Tea utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deep and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Mini i utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder. While both switches aim for a pleasing sound experience, the different materials used in the housings lead to distinct auditory experiences for the user.
Despite utilizing different housing materials, both the Milk Tea and the Mini i aim to create a unique typing experience for users. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mini i absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller sound experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Milk Tea creates a more muted sound when typing, while the nylon top housing of the Mini i adds to the overall roundness of the sound profile. These differences in housing materials showcase how subtle changes can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
In the end, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Mini i ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience the user is looking for. Both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the Milk Tea providing a pleasing and deeper sound, while the Mini i offers a fuller and rounder sound. While the differences in housing materials contribute to distinct typing experiences, users can expect similar results in terms of overall satisfaction and enjoyment with either switch due to their attention to creating an exceptional sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we can see that the Milk Tea is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Mini i is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a softer touch while typing. The Milk Tea offers a slightly lighter feel overall, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Mini i provides a slightly firmer push feel, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Mini i. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of these switches. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt and prefer a switch with a bit more depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the feel of the switch when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of a high-pitched and slightly muted sound profile, providing a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound, making it suitable for various typing environments. While the Milk Tea switch leans towards a high-pitched and clacky sound, the Mini i switch aims for a more moderate and versatile auditory experience. Overall, the sound of both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as offering a polished and silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall feel of keystrokes with reduced friction and refined key travel. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch boasts characteristics like bounciness and ease of pressing, providing a comfortable and lightweight typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged use. The Milk Tea switch caters to those who prefer a sleek and refined typing feel, while the Mini i switch appeals to users seeking a more responsive and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and typing style.
Considering the subjective qualities of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, both options offer distinct advantages in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea switch presents a unique high-pitched and polished auditory experience, perfect for those looking for a refined typing feel, the Mini i switch provides a versatile and comfortable typing sensation with its bouncy and easy-to-press characteristics. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect similar results in keypress satisfaction from both switches, tailored to their specific typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a light key feel and a high-pitched sound profile for prolonged typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a more neutral sound profile and a gentle, easy-to-press feel for comfortable and quiet typing in an office environment, the Gateron Mini i switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your personal typing style and environment preferences.
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