PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea is praised for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a light actuation force of 43.5g and the use of Ly for the stem material, it provides a seamless typing experience ideal for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch does not have specific standout features mentioned, but it is known for its reliability and durability in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Milk Tea is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Black switch is not categorized with any specific attributes. When deciding between these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing needs. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Black switches differ significantly in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Milk Tea features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Black switch is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, which adds a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing contributes to the switch's unique sound profile, highlighting its deeper tones.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Milk Tea uses POM, resulting in a sound profile that is deep and muted, while the Black features a nylon bottom housing for a fuller and rounder sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which absorb more sound and produce a duller, more rounded sound compared to harder plastics. This difference in bottom housing materials further showcases the contrasting sound profiles of the two switches. While the Milk Tea emphasizes a deeper sound, the Black highlights a fuller and rounder sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Black switches significantly impacts the sound profile and aesthetics of each switch. The use of POM in the Milk Tea creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deep and muted, while the Black's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the differences in bottom housing materials, with POM in the Milk Tea and nylon in the Black, further enhance the distinct sound profiles of each switch. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall performance and user experience of mechanical switches.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Outemu Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and bottom out force of 82 grams. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Milk Tea to be more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Black for its heavier force. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences. The actuation forces and bottom out forces of these two switches provide a clear contrast in the typing experience they offer.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is shorter at 3.6 mm compared to the Outemu Black linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea switch offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a favorite among gamers looking for speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being on the shorter end and the Black being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or tactile feedback 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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique auditory experience with its high-pitched yet muted sound, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. It has a clacky and resonant tone, making each keystroke crisp and sharp. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch's sound qualities are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky feel, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience. With the use of Ly for the stem material, typing on the Milk Tea switch is effortless and comfortable, making it a great choice for prolonged use. The Outemu Black switch's feel characteristics are unspecified, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this regard. However, if the Milk Tea switch's smooth and polished feel is appealing, it's likely that the Outemu Black switch could provide a similar typing experience.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its unique auditory blend and polished, effortless feel, making it an excellent choice for individuals with extensive typing needs. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Black linear switch are unknown, considering the descriptions of the Milk Tea switch, it's possible that a similar experience in terms of sound and feel could be achieved with the Outemu Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, consider the weight of your key presses. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 43.5 grams and a unique auditory blend that balances presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea switch is the ideal choice for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force of 82 grams and do not mind a lack of specific sound and feel descriptors, the Black switch may suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and the overall typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
