PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch are both distinct mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The Milk Tea switch is praised for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Designed for prolonged typing sessions, it offers an accessible bottom-out force of just 43.5g and utilizes Ly material for a smooth and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the Silent Grey switch from Outemu provides a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke. While both switches offer different qualities, the Milk Tea switch is ideal for those who value a more audible and effortless typing experience, while the Silent Grey switch is perfect for those seeking a satisfying and silent typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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 PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Grey both offer unique housing materials that impact the sound profile of the switches. The Milk Tea's POM top and bottom housings create a deep and muted sound profile, providing a pleasing typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings produce a crisper and fuller sound, resulting in a sharper typing sound. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, they differ in the level of sharpness and depth in their typing experience.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Milk Tea and Silent Grey switches both play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile. The POM top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea contribute to a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings of the Silent Grey create a sharper and fuller sound that is enhanced by the softer nylon material. While the materials used in the top and bottom housings of each switch differ, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and Silent Grey switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The POM and polycarbonate materials used in the top housings of the Milk Tea and Silent Grey, respectively, create different typing experiences with unique sound characteristics. Similarly, the bottom housings of the two switches also offer distinctive qualities that impact the overall sound profile. Whether you prefer a deep and muted typing experience or a sharper and crisper sound, both the Milk Tea and Silent Grey switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch. The Milk Tea requires 37.5 grams to actuate and 43.5 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a gentler typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Grey tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Those who enjoy a lighter touch may find the Milk Tea more suitable for extended typing sessions, while individuals seeking a stronger keypress may prefer the Silent Grey for a more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Grey has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea provides a quicker response time, which is favored by gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Grey offers a deeper and more satisfying press for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being the shorter option and the Silent Grey being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Silent Grey 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 characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offers a quiet typing experience without a specific descriptor provided for sound. When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, information on the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is not available. Overall, if you prefer a switch with a high-pitched sound and a polished, smooth typing feel, the Milk Tea linear switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you are looking for a quiet and tactile typing experience, the Outemu Silent Grey switch would be a suitable option. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that provides a unique auditory experience with a light bottom-out force and smooth keystrokes, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be a great choice. The Milk Tea's high-pitched sound and polished feel make it an ideal companion for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a highly tactile feel, the Outemu Silent Grey switches would be more suitable for you. The Silent Grey switches offer a satisfying bump and smooth keystroke while keeping noise to a minimum. Ultimately, your choice between the Milk Tea and Silent Grey switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing requirements.
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