PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron New North Pole V2

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the options can be as diverse as the users themselves. Two formidable contenders in the realm of linear switches are the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, stands out with its unique auditory profile that combines a high-pitched, clacky sound with a pleasantly muted quality, delivering a balance that is both present and subtle. Its Ly stem material ensures that each keystroke feels effortlessly smooth, earning it descriptors like 'marbly' and 'silky.' Conversely, the Gateron New North Pole V2 takes a different approach by omitting the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience. This switch maintains its reputation for a frictionless feel while offering a polished and creamy glide that caters to those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing experience. Each switch has its distinct characteristics—Milk Tea luring those who appreciate auditory feedback and a subtle touch, while the New North Pole V2 appeals to users who favor seamless and rapid input. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea switches and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches, it's clear that the differences in material choice—POM for the Milk Tea and polycarbonate for the New North Pole—lead to distinct sound profiles that are characteristic of their respective designs. The Milk Tea switches feature POM housings for both the top and bottom, which result in a deeper, more muted sound. This design approach is intended to create a pleasing auditory experience that may be less intrusive and more uniform. In stark contrast, the New North Pole V2 switches utilize polycarbonate for both housings, yielding a sharper, crisper sound profile that benefits from the material's stiffness. This inherently results in a sound that is richer and more resonant, particularly advantageous in settings that require clarity when key switches are released.

Moreover, the impact of these housing materials extends beyond just sound; they also influence the aesthetic and functional aspects of the switches. The translucency of polycarbonate in the New North Pole V2 allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, enhancing the visual experience when used in a keyboard with backlighting features. On the other hand, the POM material used in the Milk Tea switches, while less visually striking in terms of illumination, provides a unique aesthetic appeal thanks to its distinct texture and finish. Therefore, while the Milk Tea excels in producing a consistent, elegant sound downwards due to its muted characteristics, the New North Pole V2 offers a more dynamic auditory experience that is vibrant and attention-grabbing.

It is important to note that if a switch utilizes different materials for its top and bottom housings—like the Milk Tea's POM versus the New North Pole's polycarbonate—the resulting feel will be quite different. For example, in the case of the New North Pole V2 switches, the bottom housing of polycarbonate contributes to the bottom-out sound with a higher pitch, while the top housing would maintain a crisper quality during release. Conversely, with the Milk Tea's uniform POM construction, both the key press and release are tempered by the same muted sound. By using similar housing materials for top and bottom components, each switch delivers a distinctive auditory experience, underscoring the significant role of material choice in keyboard switch design.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel. This extra weight contributes to a firmer typing experience, which some users might find more satisfying. Thus, while the Milk Tea switch is lighter and offers less resistance, the New North Pole V2 is heavier and offers a more pronounced tactile feedback upon bottoming out. Notably, the actuation forces differ, indicating users will experience varying levels of effort and tactile response depending on their choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we see a distinction in their specifications: the Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the New North Pole V2 switch may provide a more traditional typing experience, allowing for a fuller key press that some users may prefer for a hearty depth. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who value rapid actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize a faster and more responsive feel, opting for the Milk Tea switch could serve you better, while the New North Pole V2 might be the choice for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch produces a unique auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched, clacky, and resonant sound profile. It strikes a balance between being present yet muted, which enhances the typing experience by making it engaging without being overwhelming. This switch's auditory properties can be likened to a clean, sharp sound, akin to tapping on marble, making each keystroke a distinct experience. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch does not have a specified sound profile, but the absence of a rubber dampener suggests that it may lean towards a sharper and crisper auditory characteristic compared to its predecessor. Regardless, the sound experience with both switches will also heavily depend on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, both the Milk Tea and the New North Pole V2 switches excel in delivering a smooth typing experience. The Milk Tea is noted for its polished and silky characteristics, providing a refined feel with reduced friction for effortless key travel. Users can expect a sleek experience that minimizes resistance, enhancing overall typing satisfaction. The New North Pole V2, while also polished, is described as creamy and frictionless, which suggests an equally smooth typing experience but with a buttery sensation. This combination allows for a fluid keystroke that feels seamless and enjoyable. Ultimately, both switches emphasize smoothness and ease of use, making them excellent choices for those seeking a refined typing experience.

In conclusion, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a distinctive sound profile that is high-pitched and resonant, the Gateron New North Pole V2's auditory qualities remain undefined, likely falling into a sharper category due to design changes. However, in terms of feel, both switches are polished and designed for smooth operation, ensuring a seamless typing experience that users will appreciate. Whether you are leaning towards the auditory engagement of the Milk Tea or the frictionless glide of the New North Pole V2, both options promise satisfying and enjoyable typing experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you seek a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 43.5 grams, the Milk Tea switch might be the better option for you, especially if you appreciate a unique auditory experience defined by its clacky, high-pitched sound. Its polished and silky feel ensures a smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for rapid typing or gaming sessions where you want minimal resistance in keypresses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback with a medium bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, then the New North Pole V2 is worth considering. Its frictionless and creamy typing feel, complemented by a crisper sound profile, provides a refined experience suitable for both casual typing and more focused work where precision matters. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only what feels comfortable to your fingers but also what kind of auditory and tactile feedback enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron New North Pole V2 Linear

$6.80

$5.70 per 10

Learn more