PH Studio Milk Tea vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch are both unique in their own right. The Milk Tea switch, with its high-pitched yet muted sound, provides a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mint switch offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a poppy thockiness, thanks to its long pole stem. While the Milk Tea switch is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, the Mint switch is described as low-pitched, neutral, and mild. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that can cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Mint both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Milk Tea's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Mint's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Mint allows for RGB lighting to shine through, providing a visually appealing feature. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to its pleasing sound profile, similar to the nylon bottom housing of the Mint, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound.
While the POM top housing of the Milk Tea and the polycarbonate top housing of the Mint both offer unique sound profiles, their differences lie in the depth and crispness of the sound they produce. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea provides a muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mint absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer quality sound experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Mint will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing of each switch allow for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound from the POM housing of the Milk Tea or a sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate housing of the Mint, both switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is lighter while the Mint is slightly heavier. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Mint has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a relatively light typing experience compared to other switches on the market, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mint linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Mint switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Tea switch. In terms of responsiveness, the Milk Tea switch with its shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Mint switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more robust key press feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press experience.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 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 is best described as having a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a sharp and crisp auditory experience with a touch of subtlety. In contrast, the KTT Mint linear switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a more mellow and moderate tone. Depending on personal preferences and other factors such as keycaps and board choice, users may find the Milk Tea switch to be more lively and resonant, while the Mint switch may offer a calmer typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Mint switch is known for its mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and accessible typing feel, with the Milk Tea leaning towards a more luxurious and effortless experience while the Mint strikes a balance between smoothness and approachability.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Milk Tea switch may appeal to those seeking a sharp and clacky sound with effortless key travel, the Mint switch provides a more mellow and neutral sound profile coupled with a gentle typing experience. Regardless of the choice, users can expect quality switches that enhance their typing sessions, with the only difference being the specific qualities of sound and feel each switch presents.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and polished typing experience with a light bottom-out force, the Milk Tea may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched and mild typing experience with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Mint may be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what best suits your typing needs and preferences.
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