PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch highlights the diverse preferences of typists and gamers alike. The Milk Tea, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its unique auditory profile—offering a high-pitched yet muted sound that creates a delicate balance, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a smooth and stealthy typing experience. Its use of Ly as the stem material contributes to an effortless keystroke feel, which is perfect for prolonged typing sessions or late-night gaming without disturbing others. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, known for its refined tactile feedback, features a short, medium-strength bump that allows users to feel each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing accuracy and satisfaction. This switch is especially suited for gamers or typists who appreciate a more distinct tactile response while enjoying customizable RGB lighting. Each switch has its unique appeal, making the choice a matter of personal preference based on desired typing style and sound profile; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, it becomes evident that both use plastics that contribute to their distinct auditory profiles. The PH Studio Milk Tea features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings. POM is renowned for producing a unique and deeper sound characteristic, providing a muted auditory experience. In contrast, the nylon used in the MX Purple RGB contributes to a fuller sound, leveraging its softer plastic properties to absorb sound effectively. Although both materials aim for a rich sound, their approaches differ: POM promotes muted tones, while nylon encourages greater sound absorption, leading to a rounder sound profile.

In terms of tactile feedback and sound experience, the differences in materials affect how each switch performs during use. The POM housing of the Milk Tea results in a sound that is less pronounced yet still satisfying, while the nylon casing of the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a deeper and fuller sound that might be preferred by users desiring a more pronounced auditory feedback. The impact of each housing material extends to the feel of the switches as well; the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall experience of bottoming out. Therefore, those who prioritize sound may notice more significant differences between the two, with the Milk Tea's muted profile contrasting sharply with the MX Purple RGB's bolder sound.

Ultimately, while both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches employ different materials, they offer similar results in terms of delivering a captivating acoustic experience. Although the materials themselves differ—POM for Milk Tea versus nylon for Cherry MX—the functional outcomes converge in providing satisfying auditory feedback. If users can adjust their expectations based on the nuances of each material, they can appreciate the deeper and fuller sound profiles that both switches offer, despite their differing construction. The fundamental differences illuminate preferences while still achieving the common goal of enhancing the typing experience, whether through the soft dampening of POM or the resonant absorption of nylon.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the differences in actuation force are significant. The Milk Tea switch features a relatively light actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a gentler touch during long typing sessions or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB boasts a higher actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a heavier touch that some users may find offers a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unknown, making it difficult to analyze its complete performance during full keystrokes. Overall, while the Milk Tea switch is the lighter option, catering to those who favor ease of use, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's heavier actuation force may appeal to users who appreciate a more robust feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, it becomes clear that the Milk Tea switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Purple RGB switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence the tactile experience for users—those who favor the Milk Tea switch may appreciate its quicker actuation, which can be beneficial for gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios. On the other hand, the MX Purple RGB, with its more traditional 4 mm travel, provides a deeper and more substantial feel, which some users may find more satisfying or comfortable during extended periods of use. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes responsiveness, the PH Studio Milk Tea is the better option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the auditory experience of mechanical switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a distinctive high-pitched sound that feels crisp and clear, infused with a muted quality that balances presence and subtlety. This unique auditory character is highlighted by descriptors such as "clacky," "resonant," and "marbly," making for an immersive typing experience that resonates with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a specific sound profile noted, which may suggest they are less prominent or specialized in auditory attributes. The absence of a detailed description leaves their sound quality more open-ended, but generally, Cherry switches are known for their reliability and consistency, suggesting a more standard auditory experience.

Focusing on the feel, the Milk Tea switch excels in providing a smooth typing experience characterized by descriptors such as "polished" and "silky." This indicates a refined execution that minimizes friction, resulting in effortless key travel and a pleasant tactile sensation during typing. The specific materials and potential factory lubing contribute to this silky smoothness, enhancing user comfort and efficiency. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch features a tactile bump with a medium-strength, providing a discernible feedback that many users appreciate for enhancing typing accuracy and satisfaction, though detailed descriptors for its feel are not present. Therefore, while the Milk Tea switch prioritizes a smooth, linear experience, the MX Purple RGB introduces tactile feedback, catering to different preferences.

In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out with its unique auditory and tactile qualities, creating a smooth, polished typing experience coupled with a high-pitched, resonant sound profile. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a reliable tactile bump, although its sound characteristics are less defined. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether a user prefers a smooth, linear operation over a tactile response, as both options cater to different typing preferences and styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, consider your specific typing and gaming preferences. The Milk Tea switch, with its light bottom-out force of 43.5 grams and its polished, silky feel, is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, especially if you enjoy the clacky, high-pitched sound profile it provides. This makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or when you desire a more fluid, less tactile response. On the other hand, if you favor a tactile feedback while typing—characterized by the short, medium-strength bump of the MX Purple RGB switch—that enhances your engagement with every keystroke, then this switch may be your better choice. The tactile profile is particularly beneficial for typists who thrive on rhythm and feedback, making it a compelling option for both typing and competitive gaming. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer a linear, smooth action or a tactile bump, ensuring your keyboard experience aligns perfectly with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more