PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, known for its unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, offers a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly, it is designed for prolonged typing sessions with effortless keystrokes. Ideal for those with extensive typing needs, the Milk Tea switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant'. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch lacks specific standout features but is known for its reliability and durability. While the Milk Tea excels in creating an enjoyable typing experience, the Maple Leaf provides a solid and consistent tactile feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 for the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches are different, with the Milk Tea featuring POM top and bottom housings while the Maple Leaf utilizes nylon for both components. POM housings in the Milk Tea switches create a unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted, while nylon housings in the Maple Leaf switches produce a fuller and deeper sound due to the softer nature of the material. This means that typing on the Milk Tea switches may result in a quieter and more understated sound compared to the Maple Leaf switches.
While both the Milk Tea and Maple Leaf switches have different housing materials for the top and bottom components, each material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The POM bottom housing in the Milk Tea switches may impact the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the nylon bottom housing in the Maple Leaf switches can also affect the typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing in the Milk Tea switches and the nylon top housing in the Maple Leaf switches will influence the sound profile when a key is released, creating a rounded and duller sound with nylon and a more muted sound with POM.
In terms of similarities, both the POM and nylon housing materials used in the Milk Tea and Maple Leaf switches absorb sound to some extent, resulting in a less harsh and more pleasing typing experience. While the specific qualities and characteristics of the sound produced may vary between the two switches, the overall design and materials used in the housing contribute to a unique sound profile for each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and Maple Leaf switches will come down to personal preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is lighter while the Maple Leaf is heavier. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is a medium-heavy option. The actuation force of the Milk Tea is significantly lighter than that of the Maple Leaf, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer typing experience. In contrast, the heavier Maple Leaf switch is more suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches provide different levels of force to cater to the preferences of different users, ensuring that they can achieve optimal typing performance based on their individual needs.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking faster response times, especially gamers. The Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance than the Maple Leaf, which may provide a slightly more satisfying key press for some individuals. However, the difference of 0.3 mm between the two switches may not be significant enough to notice in everyday use. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those who prioritize quick and precise keystrokes.
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 Maple Leaf 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
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is known for its unique auditory blend, producing a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. In contrast, the sound profile of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch is unknown. When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, characterized by a smooth and refined finish that enhances overall typing smoothness. Again, the tactile feel of the Maple Leaf switch is unspecified. It is important to note that individual preferences play a significant role in determining the best switch for each user, and experimenting with different switches is advisable to find the perfect match for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, and while they may differ in some aspects, users can expect similar results in typing satisfaction depending on their preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force and a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched, yet muted sound, along with a smooth and effortless typing feel, then the Milk Tea switch would be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a different tactile feedback, the Maple Leaf switch might suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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