PH Studio Milk Tea vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, known for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, is designed for those who value a balance between presence and subtlety during extended typing sessions. With a bottom-out weight of 43.5g and a stem material of Ly for effortless keystrokes, this switch is perfect for users with extensive typing needs. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch boasts an all-POM construction for a smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature. With a light 45g bottom-out weight, it caters to light typists looking for ease and comfort. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Purple Star both feature top and bottom housings made of POM material, which creates a pleasing and unique sound with a deep and relatively muted profile. This shared housing material results in a consistent sound experience for both switches, providing users with a satisfying typing or gaming experience. The similarity in housing materials ensures that the overall sound profile of the switches is harmonious and cohesive.
However, despite their shared POM housing material, the PH Studio Milk Tea and KTT Purple Star may still offer slight differences in sound profile due to design variations in their respective top and bottom housings. The bottom housing of a switch tends to have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Therefore, subtle differences in the design and construction of the top and bottom housings can result in variations in sound quality between the two switches.
In conclusion, while the PH Studio Milk Tea and KTT Purple Star share the same POM housing material, their overall sound profiles may still differ slightly based on the specific design and construction of their top and bottom housings. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with a deep and muted sound profile that is consistent and satisfying for users. Whether you choose the Milk Tea or Purple Star, you can expect a high-quality typing or gaming experience characterized by the pleasing sound created by the POM housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall on the lighter end of the force spectrum. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Purple Star's 43 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is 43.5 grams, lighter than the Purple Star's 50 grams. This means that the Milk Tea offers a slightly lighter typing experience compared to the Purple Star. Both switches provide a more effortless typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch on their keyboards. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may lean towards the Purple Star switch. Ultimately, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Milk Tea make it a great option for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Purple Star. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. Those who prioritize responsiveness may prefer the Milk Tea, while those who prefer more depth in their key presses may opt for the Purple Star. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 is known for its high-pitched and clacky sound that provides a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is noted for its low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in terms of keyboard acoustics. Depending on the user's choice of board and keycaps, they can achieve a customized sound experience with either switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined key travel that minimizes friction. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with light actuation force for effortless key presses. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel that suits users with different preferences in terms of keypress resistance and smoothness.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to a variety of user preferences. While the Milk Tea switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and silky feel for extended typing sessions, the Purple Star switch offers a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press feel that enhances typing comfort. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between these switches to customize their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing needs. If you value a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile with a polished and silky typing experience, the Milk Tea switch may be the best choice for you. It is designed for prolonged typing sessions and offers a unique auditory blend that combines presence and subtlety. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched sound with easy-to-press keys and a mild typing feel, the Purple Star switch with its buttery smooth all-POM construction and very light bottom-out force may be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of characteristics and benefits, so it's important to choose based on what aligns best with your preferences and typing habits.
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