PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it's important to consider their unique features and characteristics. The Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it a great option for those who prefer a balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly for effortless keystrokes, this switch is ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch by Gateron is designed specifically for office environments, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation force. The switch aims to provide a discreet and comfortable typing experience for professional settings. 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
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Mountain Top, both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Milk Tea features a POM top housing, known for creating a unique and pleasing sound with deep and muted tones. On the other hand, the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, which also produces a deep and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound. While the sound profiles may be similar in depth, the materials differ in their overall sound characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housings, the Milk Tea and the Mountain Top again showcase contrasting materials. The Milk Tea uses a POM bottom housing to contribute to its pleasing sound profile, while the Mountain Top incorporates a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea. This difference in sound quality adds to the unique typing experience each switch offers to users.
Overall, the choice between POM and nylon housing materials in switches like the Milk Tea and the Mountain Top can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of typing. While both materials contribute to deep and pleasing sound profiles, the POM housing of the Milk Tea may offer a more muted and unique sound compared to the nylon housing of the Mountain Top. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and overall typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43.5 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Milk Tea switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial and deliberate typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences based on the desired typing experience, with the Milk Tea being the lighter option and the Mountain Top offering a slightly heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences 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 Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the Milk Tea switch for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Mountain Top switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Mountain Top 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea offers a unique blend of high-pitched and slightly muted tones, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch caters specifically to office environments with a more neutral sound profile, ensuring a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience. While the Milk Tea is described as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant, the Mountain Top switch offers a more moderate sound suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as keycaps and the keyboard itself.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel for effortless typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press sensation, giving a lively feel with minimal resistance during key presses. The Milk Tea switch is perfect for prolonged typing sessions with its polished and silky feel, while the Mountain Top switch offers a comfortable and responsive typing experience for professional settings.
Overall, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea provides a unique auditory blend and a polished, silky typing experience, the Mountain Top switch caters to office environments with a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press, bouncy feel. Depending on personal preferences and typing needs, individuals can choose between these switches to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the specific environment and typing needs you have. If you prioritize a higher-pitched yet muted sound profile, easy keystrokes, and a polished, effortless typing experience, the Milk Tea switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value quiet and unobtrusive typing, with a comfortably light actuation force, the Mountain Top switch is tailored for professional and discreet typing sessions in office settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound, feel, and typing experience that best suits your preferences and requirements.
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