PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards. The Milk Tea switch is praised for its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a low bottom-out force and the use of Ly stem material for effortless keystrokes, it is an ideal choice for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is renowned for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating modern innovations while maintaining a traditional feel. While the Milk Tea is characterized by its clacky, high-pitched, and silky qualities, the Nixie is known for being textured, thocky, and low-pitched. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but the ultimate choice will depend on individual preferences and requirements. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry Nixie switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Milk Tea featuring POM top and bottom housings while the Nixie utilizes nylon for both. POM is known to create a deep and muted sound, which can offer a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile. Despite the difference in materials, both switches provide a deep sound that is sure to be satisfying for users looking for a quieter typing experience.
Although the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Milk Tea and the Nixie switches, the impact of each material on the overall sound profile remains consistent. The POM housing in the Milk Tea influences the sound when keys are pressed down, while the nylon housing in the Nixie affects the sound when keys are released. This showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the typing experience in terms of both the sound while typing and the sound when keys are let go. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a unique sound profile that caters to the preferences of different users.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Cherry Nixie switches utilize different housing materials, they both offer a similar result in terms of creating a pleasing and unique sound profile. The POM housing in the Milk Tea produces a deeper and muted sound, while the nylon housing in the Nixie elicits a fuller and rounder sound. Whether you prefer a deeper or more full sound when typing, both switches provide a satisfying experience that showcases the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. In contrast, the Nixie switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. The difference in force between the two switches showcases the varying preferences of users when it comes to typing comfort. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier touch, both the Milk Tea and Nixie switches offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there is a slight difference in length. The Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Nixie has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Nixie provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feel. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in modern keyboards for their quick and responsive feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for key press depth and speed of 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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
When it comes to sound, the Milk Tea linear switch is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile, offering a crisp and sharp auditory experience with a touch of marbly resonance. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep, rich tone that some users find satisfying. Depending on personal preference, one might prefer the sharpness of the Milk Tea or the deepness of the Nixie, but both switches are sure to provide a unique acoustic experience that complements your typing style.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky typing sensation, ensuring a smooth and refined key travel experience with reduced friction. This polished feel enhances the overall typing experience, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch is characterized by its textured surface, providing noticeable friction that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Whether you prefer a smooth and refined feel like the Milk Tea or a textured sensation like the Nixie, both switches offer distinct tactile feedback that can enhance your typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. If you enjoy a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and silky feel, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie switch might be more suited to your preferences. Regardless of your choice, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience and provide a satisfying tactile and auditory sensation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound with a polished and silky typing experience, then the Milk Tea switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing feel, the Nixie switch could be more suited to your taste. Additionally, take into account the bottom-out force, with the Milk Tea being lighter at 43.5 grams and the Nixie being heavier at 80 grams. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing force, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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