PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch present intriguing options to consider. The Milk Tea is praised for its unique auditory blend, offering a high-pitched sound with a muted essence that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g and the use of Ly for the stem material, it is designed for prolonged typing sessions and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch lacks detailed description, leaving its characteristics more ambiguous. While the Milk Tea is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Gold switch does not have any specific categories listed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Gold, one major difference lies in the top housing material used. The Milk Tea utilizes POM for its top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Gold features a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea provides a more subtle and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold offers a more vibrant and clear sound, particularly suited for RGB lighting effects.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing materials of these switches, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing and the Gold's nylon bottom housing present another point of contrast. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Gold offers a rounder and duller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muffled sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Gold offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences. While the Milk Tea's POM housings create a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper tone, the Gold's polycarbonate and nylon housings provide a sharper and fuller sound, respectively. Whether it's the top or bottom housing, each material brings its own characteristics to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and aesthetics.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Tea requires 43.5 grams, while the Gold switch demands 60 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch is lighter both in actuation and bottom out force, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch provides a more substantial push feel due to its heavier force requirements, making it suitable for users who prefer a stronger typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer different tactile experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Outemu Gold clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Gold's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference, with the Milk Tea catering to those who value quick feedback and the Gold catering to those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and requirements.
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 Gold 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched and muted tones, creating a gentle yet present auditory experience. The switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound profile, which provides a sharp and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Gold clicky switch has no specific sound description available, so it's difficult to compare the two switches in terms of sound. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a sharp and snappy sound, the Milk Tea may be the preferable choice.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly for the stem material. This results in a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, there is no specific feel description available for the Outemu Gold switch, making it challenging to directly compare the two. If a smooth and effortless typing feel is important to you, the Milk Tea switch may be a better option.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its unique auditory blend of high-pitched and muted tones, as well as its polished and silky typing experience. While the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks specific descriptions for sound and feel, opting for the Milk Tea switch may still provide similar positive results in terms of typing comfort and sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, in closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. The Milk Tea switch is a great choice for those who prefer a light bottom out force of 43.5 grams, a high-pitched and muted sound profile, and a polished and silky typing experience. It is particularly well-suited for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gold switch with a medium bottom out force of 60 grams may be preferred for those who enjoy a crisp and snappy sound when typing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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