PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Milk Tea switch, known for its high-pitched yet muted sound, provides a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a light bottom-out force and effortless keystrokes, it is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Oreo switch boasts a crisp tactile bump at the top and a cushioned sensation when bottoming out, offering a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. While the Milk Tea switch is characterized by its clacky and polished feel, the Oreo switch is accented and chirpy. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style; 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Everglide Oreo both feature different housing materials for the top and bottom portions of the switch. The Milk Tea utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Oreo uses polycarbonate for both housing components, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches offer unique and pleasing qualities that cater to different preferences.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of different housing materials in the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Everglide Oreo also sets them apart. The translucency of polycarbonate in the Oreo allows for RGB lighting to shine through the switch, adding a visually appealing element to any keyboard setup. In contrast, the opaque nature of POM in the Milk Tea may appeal to those who prefer a more understated look for their keyboard. These aesthetic differences can play a significant role in the overall design and customization of a keyboard.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials can greatly impact the feel and sound of a switch. While the bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, the housing materials used in each switch contribute to the overall typing experience in unique ways, catering to users who may prioritize certain aspects such as sound profile, feel, or aesthetics. Ultimately, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Everglide Oreo offer distinct qualities that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a relatively light bottom out force of 43.5 grams. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams. The Milk Tea switch is ideal for those who prefer a light touch and minimal resistance while typing, allowing for extended use without fatigue. On the other hand, the Oreo switch provides a bit more resistance, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with varying preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and Oreo switches depends on whether a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Oreo being on the longer side and the Milk Tea being slightly shorter. Gamers may lean towards the Milk Tea for its faster response times due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Oreo. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched and muted tones, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety during typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch provides a subtle, mellow sound profile that complements the crisp tactile bump and cushioned bottom-out experience. Despite having different sound profiles, both switches offer an enjoyable auditory experience that can enhance your typing sessions based on personal preference, keycaps, and keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. In contrast, the Oreo switch provides an accented tactility that strikes a balance between prominent tactility and smooth keypresses, giving users a satisfying typing feel without being overwhelming. While the switches differ in their tactile feedback, both offer a comfortable typing experience that can cater to different preferences in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a high-pitched, clacky sound with effortless keypresses or a subtle, mellow sound with a balanced tactile bump, both switches offer a tailored typing experience that can cater to your individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, consider the factors of sound and feel to determine which one best suits your preferences and typing needs. If you value a high-pitched and clacky sound profile with a polished and silky feel, the Milk Tea switch may be the perfect choice for you, especially if you engage in prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile bump with a mellow and chirpy sound profile, along with an accented and stepped feel, then the Oreo switch could be more to your liking, providing a satisfying and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what sounds and feels best to your fingertips as you embark on your mechanical keyboard journey.
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