PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it's evident that each offers distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Milk Tea is praised for its unique auditory blend, striking a balance between a high-pitched sound and muted essence, perfect for those who appreciate a gentle yet noticeable typing experience. With an accessible bottom-out weight and effortless keystrokes, it is tailored for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum stands out with its hefty feel and subtle tactile bump, offering a unique typing sensation that deviates from the traditional correlation between tactility and weightiness. While both switches have their strengths, making a decision between them will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Kailh Plum switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Milk Tea's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. This contrast in sound profiles showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall typing feel of a switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Plum switch's top housing allows for better light transmission, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects. The transparent nature of polycarbonate adds a visual appeal to the switch, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. In contrast, the POM material used in the Milk Tea switch's top housing does not offer the same level of translucency, limiting its visual impact in terms of lighting effects. However, both switches still provide a unique and pleasing typing sound that caters to different preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and Plum switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While the Milk Tea offers a more muted and deep sound profile, the Plum switch provides a crisper and sharper typing experience. The use of different housing materials in each switch showcases how material composition can significantly impact the overall performance and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether you prefer a softer, fuller sound or a sharper, higher-pitched tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have different 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, while the Plum switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, with an unknown actuation force. The Milk Tea switch may be preferred by those who like a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Plum switch provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in keyboard usage.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. However, it is worth noting that despite having the same travel distance, the tactile feedback experienced with the Kailh Plum switch may feel different compared to the smooth linear feel of the Milk Tea switch. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a reliable and comfortable typing experience for users.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 auditory experience with a high-pitched yet muted sound profile that strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. The Plum tactile switch, on the other hand, presents a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. Depending on personal preference, individuals may gravitate towards the clean and sharp resonance of the Milk Tea or the versatile neutrality of the Plum. When it comes to sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different tastes, so users can expect varied auditory experiences based on their selection.
Moving on to feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and effortless key travel. In comparison, the Kailh Plum switch provides a mild and stepped tactile sensation that offers a gentle typing experience with two distinct stages of feedback. Whether users prefer a sleek and frictionless typing experience or a mild and approachable tactile feel, both switches deliver unique sensations that can enhance overall typing comfort and satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and Plum switches in terms of feel will come down to individual preferences for key resistance and tactility.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Milk Tea excels in providing a high-pitched yet muted sound profile with a polished and silky typing feel, while the Plum stands out for its neutral sound profile and mild, stepped tactile feedback. Whether users prioritize auditory aesthetics or tactile feedback in their typing experience, both switches present viable options for customization and personalization. Ultimately, newcomers can expect to receive satisfying results from either switch based on their specific preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a light bottom-out force, a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched sound, and a polished, smooth typing feel, then the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a neutral sound profile, and a mild typing experience with a tactile bump that's not too pronounced, then the Plum switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking for.
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