PH Studio Milk Tea vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Milk Tea switch is praised for its high-pitched yet muted sound, making it a pleasant choice for those looking for a balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material designed for ease of typing, it is an excellent option for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switch stands out for its translucent design and light actuation force of 37g, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. The tactile bump of 50g provides a satisfying typing experience with each stroke. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in terms of sound profiles and aesthetics. The Milk Tea features POM top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis utilizes polycarbonate for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch.
Despite their differences, both the Milk Tea and the Phalaenopsis utilize distinct housing materials to achieve unique sound profiles. The POM housings of the Milk Tea offer a more muffled and deep sound, while the polycarbonate housings of the Phalaenopsis provide a clearer and resonant sound. The choice between POM and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics, as each material brings its own characteristics to the typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea and the Phalaenopsis may vary in material, the overall impact on sound and feel remains consistent. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials, with the Milk Tea's POM housings creating a mellower sound and the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate housings producing a crisper sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have a relatively light actuation force. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams, slightly higher than the Phalaenopsis which has an actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Tea is lighter at 43.5 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis at 50 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and less strain on their fingers, the Milk Tea may be the better option. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a slightly more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a shorter travel distance compared to the Phalaenopsis. The Milk Tea's 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the Phalaenopsis's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more substantial and deliberate keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing 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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 offers a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched and slightly muted sound profile, creating a balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch provides a deeper and richer sound with a bassy and thocky quality, offering a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the sharper sound of the Milk Tea or the richer sound of the Phalaenopsis to suit their preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a stepped tactile feel, providing a unique two-stage sensation during key presses. Whether someone prefers the smoothness of the Milk Tea or the stepped feel of the Phalaenopsis will depend on their individual typing style and preferences.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offer different yet equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea switch provides a high-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a deeper sound profile and a stepped tactile sensation. Ultimately, users can expect a delightful typing experience with either switch, depending on their personal preferences for sound and feel. They can achieve similar results in terms of typing comfort and enjoyment, despite the differences in sound and feel between the two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you are looking for a switch that offers a unique auditory blend with a light bottom-out force of 43.5g for comfortable typing sessions, the Milk Tea linear switch is a great option. It provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a polished and silky typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force of 50g, a satisfying tactile bump, and a bassy and thocky sound profile, the Phalaenopsis tactile switch is the better choice. It offers a stepped feel that adds to the typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your specific preferences and typing requirements.
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