PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to finding the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Ocean both offer unique experiences despite being linear switches. The Milk Tea, crafted by BSUN, stands out with its distinctive auditory profile that combines a high-pitched resonance with a muted finish, offering gamers and typists an engaging, yet refined keystroke experience. Its use of Ly for the stem material enhances the smoothness of each press, making it an appealing choice for those who seek tactile reward without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent Ocean does not boast a specific characterization, its name suggests an emphasis on quiet operation, making it ideal for users in shared spaces or who prefer to type in silence. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the Milk Tea perfect for those who enjoy a hint of auditory feedback in their keystrokes, and the Silent Ocean more suited for those looking for a discreet 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
45g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, notable differences emerge that influence their overall acoustic profiles. The Milk Tea utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile that many find pleasing. In contrast, the Silent Ocean features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This divergence means that while both switches will deliver unique auditory experiences, the Milk Tea will provide a more subdued auditory presence compared to the brighter and more resonant tones of the Silent Ocean, particularly in the sound bite observed during the release of the key.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches also contribute to their distinctive sound characteristics. The Milk Tea employs a POM bottom housing, which further emphasizes its deeper sound profile and maintains a cohesive sound signature throughout its operation. Contrastingly, the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its ability to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer plastics like POM. This results in a rounded, muted experience for the Silent Ocean when bottoming out. Thus, while both switches can achieve pleasing auditory qualities, they do so through different material approaches, with the Milk Tea sounding more consistent from both housing components and the Silent Ocean offering a unique harmony of the bottom-out and release sounds derived from its material composition.
Ultimately, the differences in the materials of the top and bottom housings between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Ocean lead to varying auditory experiences. The Milk Tea, with POM on both the top and bottom, creates a more muted and cohesive sound profile, allowing for a distinctive but unified keypress experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Ocean's combination of polycarbonate and nylon introduces a contrast that plays on the sharper, crisper tones of its top housing alongside the deeper, rounder sound from the nylon bottom. Although the switches are characterized by different materials, those who are focused on achieving a specific sound profile can experiment with combining different housing materials to arrive at their desired acoustic effect, showcasing the versatility in switch design and sound tuning.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, a noticeable distinction emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch features a light actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for long typing sessions and extended gaming due to its reduced resistance. In contrast, the Silent Ocean switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This means that while the Milk Tea switch is better suited for those who favor lighter feels and prolonged usability, the Silent Ocean appeals to individuals who appreciate a firmer push. For users seeking a lighter feel, the Milk Tea switch is the optimal choice, whereas the Silent Ocean provides a more robust tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, we find distinct differences that may influence user preference. The Milk Tea switch offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it suitable for those who appreciate a quicker response time typical of shorter travel distances. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Ocean features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing the keys. This longer distance aligns with the more traditional preference of having a deeper key press, providing a less abrupt feeling when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your priority, the Milk Tea switch is the shorter option, while the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced key travel 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 Silent 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out with its fairly high-pitched tone that achieves a unique auditory balance. It reflects a combination of clackiness and a muted essence, creating an engaging yet gentle sound profile that is crisp and resonant. The auditory experience is akin to tapping on a high-quality surface, providing a clean and sharp auditory feedback that enhances user engagement. In contrast, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch remains unknown, leaving it uncertain how it might compare to the Milk Tea's distinctive high-pitched and resonant qualities.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switches excel with their polished and silky characteristics, ensuring a smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance and friction. This refined tactile quality contributes to an effortless keystroke, making them especially appealing for prolonged typing sessions. The materials and potential factory lubing contribute to the overall smoothness, making every press feel luxurious and responsive. Unfortunately, no information is available on the feel of the Silent Ocean switches, which leaves a gap in understanding how they might match up against the Milk Tea's standout typing experience.
Considering the comparisons between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches, the Milk Tea offers a well-defined sound and an impressive tactile feel, making it a strong contender for keyboard enthusiasts. While the Silent Ocean’s qualities remain unspecified, the Milk Tea's high-pitched and resonant auditory characteristics combined with its polished and silky typing sensation create an overall engaging experience. If you are seeking a switch that offers a defined sound and superb tactile feel, the Milk Tea is an excellent choice, while further exploration of the Silent Ocean’s qualities may reveal whether they offer similar attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you’re someone who thrives on a lighter touch and enjoys a unique auditory experience, the Milk Tea switch would be an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 43.5 grams, coupled with its clacky, high-pitched sound profile, ensures that you can type quickly and comfortably while reveling in its polished and silky feel. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without being overly disruptive, such as in a shared or quiet workspace. Conversely, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that requires a more deliberate keystroke, look towards the Outemu Silent Ocean. It offers a more substantial resistance with its 65-gram bottom-out force, making it suitable for users who want a more tactile feedback while typing, especially in high-pressure gaming scenarios or for long typing sessions where you need that assurance of engagement. In short, your choice should reflect not just the tactile and auditory preferences, but also the specific contexts in which you plan to use your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
