PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea and Outemu Silent Yellow are two mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches. The Milk Tea, manufactured by BSUN, stands out for its unique auditory blend, combining a high-pitched sound with a muted essence for a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly, it is designed for prolonged typing sessions and every keystroke feels effortless. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow does not have a distinct reputation like the Milk Tea, and lacks specific categorizations. While the Milk Tea offers a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, polished, silky, and resonant typing experience, the Silent Yellow is more understated in its sound and feel. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons why you might choose them, 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
60g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a deeper and muted sound, while the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Milk Tea providing a quieter and more subdued typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow's more defined and higher-pitched sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Milk Tea utilizes POM, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This difference in bottom housing materials can affect the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches, with the Milk Tea offering a potentially softer and deeper typing experience compared to the Silent Yellow's potentially more muted and absorbent sound.
Although the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches provide distinct sound profiles, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. While the Milk Tea's POM housing creates a pleasing and more muted sound, the Silent Yellow's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile and typing feel of each switch, with the Milk Tea offering a potentially deeper and fuller sound compared to the Silent Yellow's potentially more absorbent and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch. The Milk Tea requires only 37.5 grams to actuate and 43.5 grams to bottom out, making it a more lightweight option. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switch needs 65 grams to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, providing a heavier typing experience. The difference in force between the two switches caters to different preferences in typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Milk Tea, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Silent Yellow. In both cases, the actuation force determines how quickly a keystroke registers, while the bottom out force indicates the overall pressure needed to fully press the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable choices for those seeking faster response times. Gamers may appreciate the quicker actuation of the Milk Tea switch, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Silent Yellow switch. In general, the Milk Tea switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Yellow switch, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming 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 Yellow 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, offering a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a touch of sharpness. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch lacks specific sound descriptors but is likely to provide a quieter typing experience overall.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is noted for its polished and silky typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key presses with minimal resistance. This translates to a sleek and comfortable typing experience, perfect for long typing sessions. Unfortunately, information on the specific feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is not available, but users can expect a similar level of smoothness and comfort based on its silent nature.
Overall, while the Milk Tea and Outemu Silent Yellow switches may differ in their sound profile and tactile feel, both are likely to provide a comfortable typing experience with reduced noise levels. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the slightly sharper Milk Tea switch or the more silent and possibly smoother Outemu Silent Yellow switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides a unique auditory experience with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be a great choice. With its light bottom out force and smooth keystrokes, it is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a heavier switch that does not produce any sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound and feel, as well as the specific typing needs you have. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so make sure to consider these factors before making your choice.
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