PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer unique experiences for users. The Milk Tea is known for its high-pitched yet muted sound, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With an accessible bottom-out force and smooth keystrokes, it is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is perfect for those seeking maximum tactility, offering a sharp tactile feel and satisfying clack with each keystroke. While the Milk Tea is described as clacky and polished, the POM T1 is characterized as sharp and invigorating. Ultimately, both switches have their own appeal and advantages depending on individual 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) are both made of POM, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This means that both switches are likely to offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, if the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, this could affect the overall sound and feel of each individual switch.
In terms of the top housing of the switches, the POM material used in both the Milk Tea and the POM T1 (Sunflower) will have a significant impact on the sound when a key is released. The unique sound profile of POM is likely to result in a satisfying typing experience when using either switch. The deeper sound profile of POM may also contribute to a more muted typing sound, which can be preferable for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the switches will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The qualities of the POM material in the bottom housing may contribute to a smoother and more tactile typing experience overall. Both the Milk Tea and the POM T1 (Sunflower) are likely to provide a consistent typing experience due to the POM material used in their housings, with slight variations depending on whether the top or bottom housing differs between the two switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch reveals some significant differences. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the POM T1's unspecified value, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Milk Tea at 43.5 grams is lower than the POM T1's 67 grams, indicating a softer landing when fully pressed. These differences suggest that the Milk Tea switch provides a lighter and smoother typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the POM T1 switch offers a stronger push feel with a more substantial typing experience, making it better suited for users who prefer heavier forces when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for faster reactions. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a deeper keypress feel with its longer travel distance, suiting those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of keypress depth and response time.
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 clacky and high-pitched auditory experience. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides a resonant and clean sound profile. With a moderate actuation force requirement, this switch suits a wide range of typing preferences. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, whether you prefer a more vibrant sound like the Milk Tea or a cleaner sound like the POM T1.
Moving on to the feel, the Milk Tea switch is polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of Ly for the stem material enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, resulting in a comfortable and effortless typing session. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is sharp, accented, and invigorating. With a strong and crisp tactile bump, this switch offers a distinct tactile feedback that can elevate your typing experience. Whether you prefer a polished and silky feel like the Milk Tea or a sharp and invigorating feel like the POM T1, both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea excels in providing a clacky and high-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel, the POM T1 (Sunflower) delivers a resonant sound with a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to a wide range of users. Ultimately, choosing between the Milk Tea and the POM T1 comes down to your individual typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a light touch and a gentle, high-pitched sound with an emphasis on comfort during prolonged typing sessions, the Milk Tea switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you seek maximum tactility with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a sharp tactile feedback, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is the way to go. Your decision should be based on your individual typing style and sound preference, as both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what typing experience you value most.
Mentioned in this article
