PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Red 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, is designed for prolonged typing sessions with its light bottom-out of 43.5g. The use of Ly for the stem material enhances the typing experience, making it effortless and ideal for those with extensive typing needs. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch lacks a distinct reputation or characteristic. If you are looking for a linear switch with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea may be the way to go. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Red switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and relatively muted sound, while the Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Red allows for better RGB lighting performance due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and pleasing sound profile, while the Red's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
While the housing materials of the Milk Tea and Red switches have distinct characteristics, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience in different ways. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch allow for a balanced tactile feedback when pressing down and releasing a key. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities provides a versatile typing experience that combines the unique attributes of each housing material.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and Outemu Red switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback. The deeper, more muted sound of the Milk Tea's POM housing may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience, while the sharper, crisper sound of the Red's polycarbonate housing could be preferred by those looking for a more distinct sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Red offers a fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea, catering to different preferences for sound depth and resonance. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality materials that enhance the overall typing experience in their own unique ways.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may prefer the Outemu Red switch. In terms of weight, the Milk Tea switch is lighter overall compared to the Red switch. When considering these factors, individuals can choose the switch that best suits their typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Red switch requires a bit more force to press down fully compared to the Milk Tea switch. The Milk Tea switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, which can be advantageous for gamers. On the other hand, the Red switch may be more preferable for individuals who enjoy a deeper keystroke feel. Overall, both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in determining which one suits your typing style best.
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 Red 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 Milk Tea linear switch stands out with its unique combination of high-pitched and muted tones, creating a gentle yet distinct auditory experience. The clacky and high-pitched nature of the Milk Tea switch gives it a crisp and sharp sound when pressed, perfect for those who prefer a more bright and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch remains unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is distinguished by its use of Ly for the stem material, providing a polished and silky typing experience. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g, the Milk Tea switch ensures effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. The polished and silky characteristics of the Milk Tea switch contribute to a smooth and refined typing feel, offering reduced friction and enhanced key travel. As for the Outemu Red linear switch, details about its tactile feel remain unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this aspect.
Overall, the Milk Tea linear switch excels in both sound and feel, offering a unique auditory blend and a polished, effortless typing experience. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Red linear switch are not fully described in the provided information, it's likely that opting for either switch will result in similar results if the desired qualities align with those of the Milk Tea switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound profile, typing feel, and any additional factors influencing the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a lighter bottom-out force and a unique auditory experience with a blend of high-pitched sound and muted essence, the Milk Tea switch may be the best choice for you, especially if you have extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and are more focused on the typing feel rather than sound, the Red switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you interact with your keyboard on a daily basis.
Mentioned in this article
