PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch are both popular options worth considering. The Milk Tea switch stands out for its unique auditory blend, offering a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly for effortless keystrokes, this switch is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the MX Black switch from Cherry boasts a classic textured smoothness thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. Known for its deep sound profile and categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', and 'Stiff', the MX Black switch offers a satisfying typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Black both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in unique sound profiles for each switch. The Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a relatively muted and deep sound, while the MX Black's nylon top housing produces a fuller and deeper sound. In terms of the bottom housings, both switches feature POM and nylon respectively, with POM providing a unique sound profile and nylon offering a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While the top housing materials differ between the Milk Tea and the MX Black, the bottom housings also play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of each switch. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to its pleasing and deep sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the MX Black enhances the fuller and deeper sound experience. Each housing material impacts the sound and feel of the switch in a distinct way, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom components in creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Black will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The unique qualities of POM and nylon as housing materials offer different tactile and auditory sensations, appealing to individuals with specific preferences. Whether you prefer a more muted and deep sound or a fuller and deeper sound, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly in terms of weight. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it preferable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. In contrast, the MX Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and intentional typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push when typing would likely opt for the MX Black switch. Overall, while the Milk Tea switch offers a lighter typing experience, the MX Black switch provides a heavier and more solid keystroke, catering to different preferences among keyboard users.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Tea switch. The difference may seem minimal, but it can affect the overall typing or gaming experience. Gamers looking for faster response times might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Cherry MX Black. Both switches offer a balance between shallow and deep travel distances, so depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfactory typing 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 linear switch offers a unique combination of high-pitched and muted tones, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch provides a deep and low-pitched sound profile, offering a classic textured smoothness. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Milk Tea having a more clacky and resonant sound profile compared to the MX Black's low-pitched sound. The final sound result will ultimately depend on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is designed for effortless typing with a polished and silky smooth finish, ensuring a refined and sleek typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a textured feel that some users may find preferable for its friction. The MX Black switch is also noted for its stiffer actuation, requiring more force to press the keys compared to the Milk Tea. Both switches provide different tactile experiences, with the Milk Tea emphasizing smoothness and the MX Black focusing on texture and stiffness.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch excels in providing a clacky and resonant sound profile with a polished and silky smooth typing experience, catering to those who prioritize effortless typing. On the other hand, the MX Black switch delivers a deep and low-pitched sound with a textured feel and stiffer actuation force, appealing to users who prefer a classic and slightly more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a lighter switch with a unique auditory blend and a polished, effortless typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a classic textured smoothness and a low-pitched sound profile, the MX Black might be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your typing habits, desired sound profile, and preferred typing feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
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