PH Studio Milk Tea vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Perky, both linear switches that cater to different typing preferences. The PH Studio Milk Tea, crafted by BSUN, offers a unique auditory experience—characterized by its high-pitched yet muted sound, which strikes a fine balance between presence and subtlety. Its Ly stem material ensures that each keystroke feels effortless, making it a commendable choice for those seeking a blend of feel and sound in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Perky stands out with its softer and glittery nylon housings, which provide a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing sensation thanks to a shorter travel distance. For those who prioritize a more condensed and tactile experience, the Perky may be the ideal choice. While both switches appeal to different aspects of typing comfort and auditory feedback, choosing the right switch ultimately depends on your personal 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and HMX Perky switches showcase distinct yet complementary qualities through their choice of housing materials. The Milk Tea features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, known for producing a unique sound profile that skews deeper and more muted. This is due to POM's hard structure that translates into a pleasing auditory experience, albeit one that is less resonant compared to softer materials. In contrast, the HMX Perky opts for nylon for both the top and bottom housings. Nylon’s softer nature contributes to a fuller sound, absorbing some of the acoustic vibrations and delivering a duller and rounder sound profile. This fundamental difference in materials indicates the Milk Tea may offer clarity and precision in sound, while the Perky provides warmth and depth.
While the Milk Tea switch is housed entirely in POM, relying on the inherent properties of this hard plastic to define its acoustic profile, the Perky leverages the classic benefits of nylon for a softer auditory experience. The POM components create a sound signature that is more distinct when you release a key, reinforcing the upper frequencies. In contrast, the nylon housing influences the conclusion of a keypress, providing a sound that is less sharp but resonates more wholly. Both switches, therefore, result in deeper sound profiles; however, they do so through different materials and sound absorption characteristics.
Ultimately, even if the POM and nylon components lead to disparate auditory experiences, the users can achieve somewhat similar results due to the overlapping qualities of depth and fullness in response to keystrokes. The Milk Tea's design emphasizes clarity from its rigid POM structure, while the Perky’s softness from nylon brings a certain richness. For enthusiasts seeking these deeper auditory impressions, both switches offer unique yet satisfying experiences based on their respective material properties. This wide flexibility permits users to select based on personal preference, whether one favors the sharper nuances of POM or the warm enveloping groans of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, which makes it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Perky switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, giving it a more substantial feel that some users might find preferable for a more engaging typing experience. Thus, while both switches are considered light overall, the Milk Tea is the lighter option, making it ideal for those looking for ease and comfort during prolonged use, whereas the Perky caters to those who desire a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, we find that the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Milk Tea the longer of the two switches by 0.2 mm. For gamers or those who favor a more responsive feel, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Perky may be appealing, delivering quicker actuation for fast-paced actions. Conversely, the Milk Tea offers a deeper, more pronounced travel that can be preferable for users who appreciate a more substantial keystroke experience. In summary, if you lean towards responsiveness, the HMX Perky is the better choice, while the PH Studio Milk Tea may suit those who enjoy a more tactile depth.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 distinctive auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched, clacky tone that is both crisp and bright. This switch possesses a unique marbly resonance, creating a clean and sharp sound profile that can enhance the overall typing experience. Its sound strikes a balance between being present without overwhelming the user, thanks to its inherently muted quality. In contrast, the HMX Perky linear switch lacks detailed information regarding its auditory characteristics, leaving its sound profile largely unknown. However, it’s important to note that sound can be significantly influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, which could be a factor for any switch.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is celebrated for its polished and silky characteristics, providing a remarkably smooth typing experience. Its refined finish, likely due to its choice of materials and possibly factory lubing, minimizes friction and resistance, allowing for effortless key presses. The Perky switch, on the other hand, has not been described in terms of tactile qualities, leaving its feel unspecified. Assuming the Perky is similarly designed with a focus on user comfort, one might anticipate a satisfactory typing experience, but explicit details are missing.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out with its high-pitched sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate an engaging auditory experience coupled with effortless keystrokes. The HMX Perky switch remains an unknown in terms of sound and feel; however, if it were designed with similar principles as the Milk Tea, users might expect a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences, as well as the specific keyboard setup a user chooses to employ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a significant role. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience, the Milk Tea switch may be ideal for you. Its lower bottom-out force of 43.5 grams and its unique high-pitched, clacky sound profile enhance the typing experience, making it perfect for both casual typing and gaming sessions where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you're looking for a consistent and satisfying keystroke with a bit more resistance at 50 grams, the HMX Perky would be a better fit. Its stable and neutral typing experience is complemented by its shorter travel distance, offering a different but equally enjoyable tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, more vibrant sound profile or a slightly heavier, more reliable typing feel.
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