PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch offer distinct experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Milk Tea is celebrated for its unique auditory blend, characterized by a high-pitched yet muted sound profile that strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a light actuation force of 43.5g and a smooth stem material, it is designed for comfortable and effortless extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown switch lacks specific standout features but provides a reliable tactile feedback for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel. While both switches have their strengths, it ultimately depends on individual 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
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
Partial box
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
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Crystal Brown, it is clear that they offer distinct sonic profiles based on their composition. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea provides a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown creates a sharper and higher-pitched tone. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the overall typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of auditory feedback.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea echoes the deeper and fuller sound profile created by nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown. While the POM bottom housing is said to be more muted, the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Despite these differences, both types of bottom housing contribute to the overall typing sound and feel of the switch, providing a unique tactile experience to users.
Although the top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea and Crystal Brown differ in material, it is important to note that each housing material brings its own set of qualities to the switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the POM and nylon bottom housings offer a deeper sound, the POM and polycarbonate top housings provide contrasting tones that cater to different auditory preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials will depend on the user's desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch shows distinct differences in weight. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a preferable choice for those who enjoy lighter typing experiences. In contrast, the Crystal Brown has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a stronger push when typing would likely favor the Crystal Brown switch, while the Milk Tea switch would be better suited for those seeking a softer keystroke. Despite the weight variance, both switches provide a smooth typing experience, ensuring users will still get similar results in terms of performance. Each switch's actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and are worth considering based on personal preference. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to individual typing style and desired level of force feedback.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea offers a more responsive keypress with its shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown provides a slightly deeper keypress with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing between the two.
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 Crystal 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
In terms of sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience that can be described as both bright and percussive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is unknown. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, characterized by smooth key travel and reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and refined feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Unfortunately, the feel of the Crystal Brown switch is unknown. While the Milk Tea switch offers a premium typing experience, the feel of the Crystal Brown switch remains a mystery, making it difficult to make a direct comparison based on this criterion.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch excels in providing a unique auditory blend with its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, coupled with a polished and silky typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch are unknown, it's important to consider personal preferences and the desired typing experience when choosing between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that users can achieve similar results based on their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a unique auditory blend that is both high-pitched and muted, the Milk Tea switch is the ideal choice for prolonged typing sessions. Additionally, if you value a polished and silky typing experience, the Milk Tea switch will provide a smooth and effortless key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and are looking for a tactile switch without specific sound or feel preferences, the Crystal Brown switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve. Happy typing!
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