PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it's important to note their distinct qualities. The Milk Tea switch stands out for its unique auditory blend, offering a high-pitched sound with a muted essence, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g and a stem material of Ly for effortless keystrokes, it is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch lacks specific defining characteristics but is known for its tactile feedback. While the Milk Tea switch is characterized as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant, the Brown switch falls under a different category. Each switch has its own advantages and considerations to take into account when choosing the best one for your 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
53g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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 Brown switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Brown produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This difference in sound quality is further emphasized by the stiffer nature of polycarbonate compared to POM, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound in the Brown switch. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, which is a unique feature not found in the Milk Tea switch.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Milk Tea and the Brown switches also play a significant role in the overall sound profile. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Brown produces a fuller and rounder sound. This difference in sound quality is attributed to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics like POM. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a more muffled sound compared to POM bottom housings.
Overall, despite the different top and bottom housing materials used in the Milk Tea and the Brown switches, both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience to users. While the Milk Tea offers a more muted and deeper sound with its POM housing, the Brown switch delivers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the bottom housings of the switches also contribute to their distinct sound profiles, with the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing offering a deeper sound compared to the Brown's nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound quality and aesthetics.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. In contrast, the Brown switch is heavier, with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea switch, which allows for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Brown switch, which provides a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Brown's 4 mm. The Milk Tea's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Brown may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive key press or a longer, more tactile key press. Both switches offer their own advantages and it is important to consider what type of typing experience you are looking for before making a decision.
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 Brown 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
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched yet muted sound, perfect for those looking for a balance between presence and subtlety during typing sessions. The use of Ly for the stem material ensures a smooth and effortless keystroke, making it an ideal choice for prolonged typing needs. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch does not have any specific descriptions for sound or feel available. However, based on the information provided, it is likely that the Milk Tea switch will produce a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Brown switch. In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. While the qualities of the Brown switch are unknown, it is safe to assume that both switches will provide a comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, and the choice between them will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a light bottom out force and a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched yet muted sound, the Milk Tea switch is the way to go. This switch is perfect for prolonged typing sessions and offers a polished, smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch without a specific sound profile preference, the Outemu Brown switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on factors such as typing style, sound preference, and desired tactile feedback.
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