PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Milk Tea's high-pitched yet muted sound, coupled with its 43.5g bottom-out weight and Ly stem material, promises a smooth and effortless typing experience ideal for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Ocean switch lacks specific defining characteristics but delivers a tactile feedback that some users may prefer. While the Milk Tea is touted for its clacky and high-pitched qualities, the Ocean remains unassuming in its category. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Ocean both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Milk Tea offering a more subdued sound compared to the Ocean's more vibrant and clear sound. However, both switches share the characteristic of using translucent materials in their top housing, which allows for the transmission of RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Milk Tea utilizes POM, which continues to contribute to its deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Ocean switches feature a nylon bottom housing that elicits a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. This contrast in bottom housing materials can impact the overall sound and feel of typing on either switch, with the Milk Tea offering a more subdued and softer sound compared to the Ocean's fuller and deeper sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to provide users with a unique typing experience that caters to their sound preferences.
When comparing the impact of top and bottom housing materials, it's important to note how they each influence the sound profile and feel of typing on the switches. The bottom housing tends to have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing the key. This distinction highlights the importance of both housing materials working together to create a harmonious typing experience. While the Milk Tea and the Ocean may differ in their housing materials and resulting sound profiles, they both aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience that caters to their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea requires only 37.5 grams of force to actuate a key, making it a lighter option compared to the Ocean, which requires 55 grams. The Milk Tea also has a lower bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Ocean's bottom out force is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea may make it more suitable for those looking for a smoother typing experience or for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Ocean may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. In terms of bottom out force, both switches offer similar results as the information for the Ocean's bottom out force is unavailable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on the user's preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea offers a quicker response time for users who prefer a shorter travel distance, which is ideal for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the Ocean switch provides a more profound key press with its longer travel distance, suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Both switches offer unique experiences based on the preference of the user, with the Milk Tea being the shorter option and the Ocean being the longer option. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired 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 Ocean 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 balance between presence and subtlety. This characteristic makes it ideal for users who prefer a gentle typing experience during prolonged sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound profile remains unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Tea is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. This makes it a comfortable option for those who engage in extended typing sessions. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Ocean switch.
Overall, while the Milk Tea switch boasts a distinctive sound profile and a polished, silky typing feel, the lack of information on the Ocean switch makes it difficult to directly compare the two. However, based on the available information, users can expect a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with the Milk Tea linear switch, and potentially similar results in sound and feel with the Outemu Ocean tactile switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing needs of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, you'll want to take into account your typing preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch with a light 43.5g bottom out force, a high-pitched and muted sound profile, and a polished and smooth typing experience, then the Milk Tea switch may be the best option for you. This switch is ideal for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions and value a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a different sound and feel profile, the Ocean switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and how you prioritize factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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