PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silver 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 an accessible bottom-out of just 43.5g. Made by BSUN with a stem material of Ly, this switch offers effortless keystrokes and is ideal for those with extensive typing needs. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned but is a linear switch as well. While the Milk Tea switch is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Silver switch does not have any specific categorizations. Each switch offers its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Silver switches, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on the materials used. The Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the bottom housing of the Milk Tea also contributes to its pleasing sound profile, while the Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches utilize the qualities of their respective housing materials to enhance the overall typing experience.
While the Milk Tea and Silver switches both have distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of the impact of these materials on sound and feel. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea and the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver both play a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea and the nylon bottom housing of the Silver influence the sound when a key is pressed down, with the nylon bottom housing providing a deeper and rounder sound profile compared to the stiffer POM material.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and Outemu Silver switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound profile. The Milk Tea offers a unique and pleasing sound with its POM housing, while the Silver provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Both switches utilize their housing materials effectively to enhance the typing experience, demonstrating the importance of housing materials in achieving specific sound profiles for mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is significantly lighter in terms of both forces compared to the Silver. The Milk Tea has an 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 Silver boasts a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and heavy typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with lighter switches being more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches offer a more tactile and robust typing experience. In the end, selecting either switch will result in similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silver's 4 mm. The Milk Tea's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Silver's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, with the Silver being closer to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.
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 Silver 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 PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique amalgamation of qualities, producing a high-pitched yet somewhat muted sound profile that strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more understated auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch's sound profile remains unknown, leaving it open to interpretation. When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is noted for its use of Ly stem material, providing a polished and silky typing experience that is smooth and effortless. In contrast, the feel of the Silver switch is unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare to the Milk Tea in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
Taking into account the available information, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a distinctive auditory profile with a balanced sound, coupled with a smooth and refined typing experience thanks to the use of Ly stem material. While the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific descriptions of sound and feel, it is possible to infer that it may provide a different typing experience compared to the Milk Tea switch. Therefore, for those seeking a linear switch with a unique sound profile and a polished feel, the Milk Tea switch would be a suitable choice. If consistency is sought between the two switches, it may be expected that both would offer similar results in terms of overall performance and typing comfort, although this cannot be definitively confirmed without additional details on the Outemu Silver switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a light bottom-out force and a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch would be an excellent choice. This switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions and provides an effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and are focused on the feel of the switch, the Outemu Silver linear switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for key feel and sound profile.
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