PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Silent Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a low bottom-out force and the use of Ly for the stem material, it's designed for extended typing sessions with ease. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red provides a similar typing experience to the MX Red but with a key difference - it operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While both switches have their own distinctive features, such as the Milk Tea's clacky and polished feel versus the Silent Red's muted and thocky profile, they both offer 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Milk Tea boasts a POM top housing, which produces a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. On the other hand, the Silent Red features a nylon top housing that also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials aim to create a satisfying sound experience for users, they achieve this through slightly different means.
Moving to the bottom housings of the switches, the contrast between the POM bottom housing in the Milk Tea and the nylon bottom housing in the Silent Red continues. Both materials contribute to the overall sound profile by emphasizing deeper tones, although the POM housing in the Milk Tea is praised for its unique and pleasing sound qualities. The softer nature of nylon in the Silent Red allows for a duller and rounder sound to be produced, showcasing the versatility of housing materials in influencing sound outputs. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize delivering a satisfying typing experience through their carefully selected housing materials.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes apparent that the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be POM or nylon, will directly influence the characteristics of the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. In contrast, the top housing, whether POM or nylon, will primarily affect the sound produced when releasing a key. By leveraging the unique properties of their housing materials, both the Milk Tea and Silent Red switches are able to provide users with a personalized and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch differ in weight. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Silent Red switch's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. The bottom out force of the Milk Tea switch is also lighter at 43.5 grams, while the Silent Red switch's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Milk Tea switch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may opt for the Silent Red switch for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Milk Tea switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Red's weight is either heavier or equal depending on the unknown bottom out force. Overall, selecting the appropriate switch will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them popular choices for those seeking quick response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea for increased responsiveness. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress depth, the slightly longer travel distance of the MX Silent Red may be more appealing. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and response.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 is known for its high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is designed to operate silently, providing a significantly quieter typing experience. While the Milk Tea switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more crisp and resonant sound, the MX Silent Red switch is ideal for noise-sensitive environments where a muted, thocky sound is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual sound preferences and environmental considerations.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience thanks to the use of Ly for the stem material. This ensures effortless keystrokes and reduced friction for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may provide a different tactile sensation compared to the smoother experience of the Milk Tea switch. Depending on personal preferences for key feel, users may find either the polished smoothness of the Milk Tea switch or the textured feedback of the MX Silent Red switch more appealing.
Considering the available information, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched and clacky sound, as well as its polished and silky key feel, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a unique auditory experience and smooth typing sensation. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red switch excels in providing a quiet, muted sound profile and a textured key feel, catering to users who prioritize a silent typing environment and prefer a tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance in their respective sound and feel aspects, with users likely to achieve similar typing results depending on their specific preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched and slightly clacky sound profile, along with a polished and silky typing feel, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is designed for extended typing sessions and offers a balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, if you prefer a significantly quieter typing experience with a muted and thocky sound profile, along with a textured feel, the MX Silent Red switch could be more suitable for noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
