PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Haimu Orange Sea

Overview

When exploring the nuances of mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches present two unique options for enthusiasts and typists alike. The Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its distinctive auditory signature—a balance of high-pitched clackiness blended with a muted quality, perfect for those who appreciate a subtle yet present sound while typing. Its Ly stem material enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, offering a silky and polished typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth feel accompanied by a neutral sound profile, making them an excellent choice for users who seek a more understated and refined typing experience without the distraction of auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you crave a dynamic auditory experience with the Milk Tea or a more muted, smooth touch with the Orange Sea. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize distinct housing materials that lend their switches different auditory characteristics. The Milk Tea employs a Polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, which is notable for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile. The inherent qualities of POM, a high-strength plastic, support a unique auditory experience that emphasizes warmth and richness in sound. In contrast, the Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more pronounced and resonant auditory response, making it clear that the sound profiles will diverge significantly due to the influence of their top housing materials.

When examining the bottom housings, further differences emerge. The Milk Tea opts for a POM bottom housing similar to its top, reinforcing the muted sound profile noted earlier. This combination promotes a cohesive auditory experience that is ultimately deep and textured. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea employs a nylon bottom housing, a material known for producing a fuller sound profile that tends to be deeper and rounder due to its sound-absorbing properties. The softer nylon creates a contrast to the Polycarbonate's sharpness, leading to a blend of tones that accentuates the unique feel and sound when the switch bottoms out. Consequently, while both switches may strive for a satisfying auditory experience, their bottom housings lead them to achieve this in different ways.

In summary, while both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Haimu Orange Sea feature a thoughtful combination of materials that affect both the sound and tactile feedback, they diverge considerably in their auditory characteristics. The Milk Tea creates a more muted experience with a consistent acoustic warmth, thanks to its POM housings. In contrast, the Orange Sea’s combination of polycarbonate and nylon presents a sharper sound, complemented by a fuller, broader bottom-out tone. However, it's worth noting that for users who seek a similar auditory result between the two, it may be achievable by adjusting typing techniques or using similar keycap aesthetics, as the interaction between switch materials and typing style can influence perceived sound in a keyboard setup.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch requires an actuation force of 37.5 grams to register a keystroke, while the Orange Sea requires a slightly lighter force of 37 grams. This makes the Orange Sea the lighter option in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Tea has a force of 43.5 grams, compared to the Orange Sea's higher 45 grams, indicating that the Orange Sea provides a slightly firmer feel when fully pressed down. Therefore, both switches are light in terms of overall weight, but the Orange Sea is marginally easier to actuate, while the Milk Tea provides a softer finish upon bottoming out. Consequently, users who prefer a more substantial typing experience might gravitate toward the heavier bottom out force of the Orange Sea, while those looking for less resistance during long typing sessions may favor the Milk Tea.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, both switches exhibit an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile response when pressing down on either key, resulting in a comparable feel during use. With both switches offering the same distance, those looking for a consistent typing experience will likely find little difference between the two options in this particular aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch excels with its distinctive auditory profile. It boasts a high-pitched and clacky character, delivering a sharp, bright, and percussive sound with every keystroke. The Milk Tea switch strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, ensuring an immersive typing experience without being overly loud. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch presents a neutral sound signature, which suggests a more muted auditory experience without the bright, clacky nuances found in the Milk Tea. This difference signifies that users seeking a more dynamic sound might lean towards the Milk Tea, while those who prefer a quieter typing environment may appreciate the Orange Sea.

In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is lauded for its polished and silky characteristics, creating an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The use of quality materials and likely factory lubing contributes to reduced friction, allowing for effortless key travel. The refined finish enhances the overall tactile sensation, making it enjoyable for long typing sessions. On the other hand, specific qualities of the Orange Sea in terms of feel remain undefined, which leaves its tactile experience somewhat of a mystery. However, the lack of negative descriptors suggests it may still offer a satisfactory typing feel.

In conclusion, when evaluating the PH Studio Milk Tea and Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, it’s clear that the Milk Tea offers a vibrant sound profile along with an incredibly smooth feel, appealing to those who prioritize a dynamic auditory experience. The Orange Sea, while less defined in its feel and sound, presents a more neutral option that may suit users looking for simplicity and subdued feedback. Ultimately, depending on your preferences for sound and feel, choosing between these switches will lead to significantly different typing experiences, but both options provide potential for satisfying results in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the auditory experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter key press and enjoy a more nuanced audio profile with a captivating high-pitched and clacky sound, the Milk Tea switch is an excellent choice. Its polished and silky feel ensures a smooth typing experience, making it particularly appealing for light typists and gamers who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you desire a solid, smooth typing experience coupled with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is better suited for you. While it has a slightly higher bottom out force, it still falls within the realm of light switches, appealing to those who enjoy a balanced and more subdued auditory atmosphere without compromising on smoothness. Ultimately, your decision should reflect both your tactile preference and the kind of typing context in which you'll be most comfortable.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Orange Sea Linear

$2.79 per 10

Learn more