PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it is clear that they offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted sound, making it a great choice for those who seek a gentle balance between presence and subtlety during typing sessions. With a low bottom-out force and the use of Ly for the stem material, it ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch is favored for its silent tactile feedback, perfect for office environments where noise reduction is crucial. Its rounded tactile bump provides satisfying feedback without sacrificing a quiet profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that make them suitable for specific needs, 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Akko Penguin are both designed to enhance the sound profile of the switches. The Milk Tea uses POM for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Penguin's nylon housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the sound of the switches, they achieve it in different ways - POM focuses on a unique and pleasing sound, while nylon emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Milk Tea and Penguin switches offer a unique typing experience. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to the deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Penguin enhances the fullness of the sound. This split in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of each key press - the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. By utilizing different housing materials for the top and bottom, both switches are able to create a diverse typing experience for users.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Akko Penguin have different housing materials, they both aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through sound profile. The POM housings of the Milk Tea create a unique and pleasing sound, while the nylon housings of the Penguin result in a deeper and fuller sound. Each material brings its own qualities to the switches - POM's muted sound and nylon's absorption of sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying and unique typing experience that caters to different preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Akko Penguin tactile switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Tea also has a lighter touch at 43.5 grams, while the Penguin requires a heavier force of 60 grams to bottom out. This means that the Milk Tea provides a lighter and softer typing experience overall, perfect for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin offers a more substantial and tactile feel due to its higher bottom out force, making it suitable for users who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and the amount of force one is comfortable with.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum when it comes to travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may find these shorter travel distances advantageous. However, for individuals who prefer a deeper key press and more tactile feedback, they may find the slightly longer travel distance of the Milk Tea to be more to their liking. In general, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant, and users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 is known for its high-pitched and somewhat marbly sound profile, creating a unique auditory experience that strikes a balance between sharpness and subtlety. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch is described as having a muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is a priority. The Penguin switch provides a quieter typing experience with a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback. While the Milk Tea switch offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Penguin switch focuses on minimizing noise without sacrificing tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, both the Milk Tea and Penguin switches offer a polished typing experience. The Milk Tea switch is lauded for its smooth and effortless keystrokes, thanks to the stem material Ly used in its construction. The Akko Penguin switch, on the other hand, provides a mild and gentle typing experience, suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Additionally, the Penguin switch offers a feathery feel, requiring little exertion from the fingers, making it comfortable for prolonged use. Overall, both switches prioritize smooth key travel and reduced friction for an enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities tailored to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch excels in providing a sharp and crisp sound with polished and silky keypresses, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Penguin switch focuses on a quieter sound profile and a more mild and approachable typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces and office environments. Ultimately, whether you prefer the high-pitched sharpness of the Milk Tea switch or the muted and gentle feedback of the Penguin switch, both options ensure a premium typing experience with their unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your typing environment and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet typing experience for office settings while still enjoying tactile feedback, the Akko Penguin switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a light and smooth typing experience with a unique high-pitched sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea switches will cater to your needs, especially during prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize noise reduction or a specific tactile and auditory experience in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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