PH Studio Milk Tea vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the KTT Pine linear switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch is praised for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it a balanced option for those who enjoy a gentle auditory experience while typing. With a light bottom-out force and the use of Ly for the stem material, it provides an effortless typing session, perfect for prolonged use. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch boasts a medium-heavy feel with a buttery smoothness that enhances typing comfort. Its factory-lubed finish reduces friction for seamless key travel, giving it a creamy and low-pitched sound profile. Each switch appeals to different needs - whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched feel with the Milk Tea or a buttery and low-pitched sensation with the Pine. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Pine both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Milk Tea featuring POM top and bottom housings, while the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. The POM housings of the Milk Tea create a deeper, more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate housings of the Pine produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, giving the Pine a visually appealing edge.
While both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound profile, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housings ultimately comes down to individual preference. The POM housings of the Milk Tea provide a deeper sound experience, while the polycarbonate housings of the Pine deliver a sharper and more resonant sound. Additionally, the impact of each housing material is felt differently when typing - the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences.
In terms of construction, the Milk Tea and Pine switches showcase the versatility of housing materials in impacting the overall typing experience. The split between POM and polycarbonate housings in the Milk Tea allows for a unique combination of deeper and sharper sounds, while the Pine's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout ensures a consistent, crisp sound profile. Regardless of the differences in their housing materials, both switches showcase the importance of considering the impact of each component on the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we can see some differences in weight. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. For those who enjoy a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Milk Tea switch would be a suitable choice. However, for individuals who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing, the KTT Pine switch would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a shorter travel distance compared to the Pine switch. The Milk Tea's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a faster response time, which is favored by gamers looking for quick reactions. On the other hand, the Pine switch's longer 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a deeper actuation feel when typing or gaming. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the preferences of users who prioritize either speed or depth in their keystrokes.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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
In terms of sound, the Milk Tea linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched and slightly clacky sound, providing a crisp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a deeper and richer tone. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Milk Tea more appealing for its sharpness or the Pine for its depth. Additionally, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. Whether one prefers a polished or buttery feel may depend on individual preferences for typing comfort.
In conclusion, the Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its high-pitched and clacky sound, along with a polished and silky typing feel, catering to those who prioritize crispness and smoothness in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Pine linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, coupled with a buttery and creamy typing feel, appealing to users seeking a deeper and smoother typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, allowing users to choose based on their sound and feel preferences. Regardless of choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either the Milk Tea or Pine linear switches.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a light bottom-out force and a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound, as well as a polished and silky typing feel, then the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a bassy, low-pitched sound, then the Pine switch could be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer their own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision on which switch to choose will depend on what factors are most important to you in your typing experience.
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