PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, with its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend and 43.5g bottom-out force, is designed for prolonged typing sessions, offering a balance between presence and subtlety. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Milk Tea switch may appeal to those looking for a clacky and polished typing experience, the MX Brown switch is perfect for those seeking a textured and bassy feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Brown use top and bottom housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Milk Tea utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Brown incorporates nylon for both the top and bottom housing, also creating a deep and fuller sound profile. Despite the different housing materials used, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound depth and richness.
However, where the Milk Tea and the MX Brown differ is in the specific qualities of the housing materials. The POM housing of the Milk Tea is known for its pleasing and unique sound, with a deeper and more muted profile. In contrast, the nylon housing of the MX Brown absorbs more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound quality. These differences in housing materials contribute to the distinct sound profiles of each switch, offering users a variety of options depending on their preference for sound.
In terms of how the top and bottom housing materials affect the overall typing experience, both switches showcase the impact each material has on sound and feel. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. By utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom, or the same material for both, the PH Studio Milk Tea and Cherry MX Brown are able to provide users with a unique typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea switch is lighter in both aspects. The Milk Tea switch has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the MX Brown switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Milk Tea switch better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer distinct benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea offers a more shallow travel distance compared to the more traditional MX Brown. Gamers may appreciate the shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the MX Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Brown 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 auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a more subtle and bassy sound, contributing to a quieter typing environment. Depending on personal preference, the Milk Tea switch may be favored by those who enjoy a crisper and brighter key press sound, while the MX Brown switch appeals to individuals looking for a deeper and richer audio feedback during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is designed with a polished and silky finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. This contributes to a seamless typing feel that is highly desirable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch is noted for its textured feel, providing users with a tactile feedback that may suit those who prefer a bit of resistance and feedback when pressing keys. Depending on individual preferences, the Milk Tea switch may cater to those seeking a smoother and more polished key press sensation, while the MX Brown switch may appeal to users looking for a more tactile and textured typing experience.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on whether one prefers a high-pitched and polished typing experience or a bassy and textured key press sensation, each switch provides a unique typing feel that can enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired sound and feel qualities desired during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a light and effortless typing experience with a unique auditory blend that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea switch with its bottom out force of 43.5 grams may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams and a gentle tactility, the MX Brown switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Choose wisely based on what suits you best!
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