PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Oil King are both popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch is renowned for its high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g and a stem material of Ly for effortless typing, this switch is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Oil King switch stands out for its buttery smoothness and a sound profile that reminds users of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Categorized as low-pitched, creamy, silky, bassy, buttery, and polished, the Oil King switch offers a luxurious typing experience. However, let's delve 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Oil King both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Oil King's nylon top housing creates a fuller and deeper sound profile. Both materials absorb sound differently due to their softness, resulting in a distinct sound experience for each switch. While the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to the deeper sound profile, the Oil King's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a pointed and higher-pitched sound that adds a clacky element to the typing experience.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Oil King focus on creating a satisfying sound experience for users. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea and the nylon top housing of the Oil King both aim to produce a pleasing and unique sound, albeit with different tones and depths. Similarly, the bottom housings of the switches play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of typing, with the INK blend bottom housing of the Oil King offering a sharp and clacky sound compared to the deeper sound of the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Oil King provide users with a variety of sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences. While the Milk Tea offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housings, the Oil King provides a fuller and sharper sound with its nylon and proprietary INK blend housings. Whether users prefer a deeper, more rounded sound or a sharper, clacky sound, both switches offer unique sound experiences that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch is on the heavier side, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches makes them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. Users looking for a lighter touch may find the Milk Tea switch more comfortable, while those preferring a heavier feel may opt for the Oil King switch for a more tactile typing experience. Both switches provide unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Oil King linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it preferred by gamers for faster reactions. On the other hand, the Oil King provides a deeper key press with its longer travel distance, suitable for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer their own unique benefits based on individual preferences, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 Gateron Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched tones with a muted essence, providing a balance between presence and subtlety. This clacky and resonant switch is ideal for those looking for a sharp and crisp sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch presents a low-pitched sound, giving off a deep and rich tone similar to the snap of a dark chocolate bar. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Milk Tea providing a brighter and sharper sound compared to the Oil King's bass-heavy and mellow tones.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. This switch ensures a refined and sleek typing experience, perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Similarly, the Oil King switch offers a creamy and silky sensation while typing, providing a smooth and buttery keystroke experience. Both switches enhance the overall typing smoothness and minimize resistance, making them enjoyable for long typing sessions.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea provides a clacky, high-pitched sound and a polished, silky feel, the Oil King offers a low-pitched, bassy sound and a creamy, buttery feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and typing experience, both switches cater to different needs and can deliver satisfying results for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 43.5 grams, along with a unique auditory blend that strikes a balance between clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sounds, then the Milk Tea switch might be the right choice for you. Additionally, if you seek a polished and silky typing experience, the Milk Tea switch offers a smooth and refined finish that enhances prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, along with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, the Oil King switch may be more suitable for your preferences. The Oil King switch is known for its buttery smoothness and creamy feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Consider how each switch aligns with your needs and preferences to choose the one that best suits your mechanical keyboard experience.
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