PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Sarokeys Purple Sakura
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch stands out with its unique auditory blend, featuring a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material of Ly for effortless typing, it is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Purple Sakura switch boasts a snappy response and a buttery downstroke that is both pronounced and subtle, creating a satisfying tactility without being overwhelming. While the Milk Tea switch is characterized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Marbly', the Purple Sakura switch is described as 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Snappy'. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura have unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Milk Tea features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Purple Sakura's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Purple Sakura allows for a more resonant sound with a higher pitch, making it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea delivers a similarly pleasing sound profile, emphasizing the deeper tones and more muted sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Milk Tea's POM housing and the Purple Sakura's nylon housing offer distinct sound profiles. The Nylon bottom housing of the Purple Sakura provides a fuller and deeper sound, enhancing the typing experience with a more rounded sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but richer sound profile. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea complements the top housing well, maintaining a consistent and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted.
When considering the overall impact of the different housing materials on the switches, it is essential to recognize how each material affects the sound and feel of typing. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch design allows for a versatile typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. In comparison, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing to the overall auditory feedback of the switch. Overall, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura offer unique sound profiles due to their distinctive housing materials, catering to different preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Milk Tea switch requires 43.5 grams to fully press down, while the Purple Sakura switch needs 60 grams. The Milk Tea switch provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Purple Sakura switch offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distances for faster reactions during gameplay. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance of the Milk Tea to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance 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 Sarokeys Purple Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Sakura for $3.15.
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 clacky and high-pitched auditory experience, creating a sharp and crisp sound that is both present and subtle. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is mild and gentle, perfect for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities, with the Milk Tea being more resonant and the Purple Sakura being more subdued.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Purple Sakura switch is described as buttery and mild, offering a seamless and gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. The Milk Tea switch focuses on smoothness and refinement, while the Purple Sakura switch highlights comfort and ease in typing, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch offer unique qualities in both sound and feel. While the Milk Tea switch excels in providing a clacky and polished typing experience with high-pitched sound, the Purple Sakura switch focuses on offering a buttery and mild feel with a neutral sound profile. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and typing style, as both switches provide distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience for different users. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will result in similar results in terms of typing comfort and satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Sarokeys Purple Sakura tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you value a light bottom-out force for extended typing sessions and enjoy a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, the Milk Tea may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a snappy response and a buttery downstroke, the Purple Sakura offers a tactile experience with a balanced sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound and feel, so choose the one that best suits your typing style.
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