PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its unique auditory blend, offering a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a light 43.5g bottom-out force and a stem made of Ly material for effortless typing, this switch is perfect for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch provides a light-medium amount of tactility with a bassier bottom-out sound and a clackier top-out sound. While the Milk Tea is ideal for those with extensive typing needs, the Red Panda offers a different typing experience with its thocky and mild characteristics. 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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Outemu Red Panda switches both contribute to creating unique sound profiles. The Milk Tea features POM top and bottom housings, resulting in a deep and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Red Panda utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in housing materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when typing on the two switches.
While both the Milk Tea and the Red Panda switches offer unique sound profiles, the choice of housing materials contributes to their differences in sound. The POM top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea create a pleasingly deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Red Panda produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Red Panda adds to its sound profile by eliciting a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition. These contrasts in housing materials highlight the importance of material choice in determining the overall typing experience.
In summary, the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Red Panda switches play a significant role in shaping their sound profiles. The POM housings of the Milk Tea result in a unique deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate and nylon housings of the Red Panda contribute to a sharper, crisper, and fuller sound profile. Understanding how different materials impact sound can help keyboard enthusiasts choose the switch that best fits their preferences for sound and typing experience. Ultimately, whether the housing materials are the same or different, they each bring their own unique characteristics that influence the overall typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch are quite different. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. In contrast, the Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Milk Tea provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Red Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches cater to different preferences - lighter force for prolonged use and heavier force for a more tactile typing experience. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces make each switch unique in its own way, allowing users to choose based on their desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Milk Tea switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Red Panda. The difference between the two may not be significant, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda, while those who prefer a more deliberate and deeper key press may opt for the Milk Tea. Both switches offer a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, catering to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual typing or gaming style.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 blend of a high-pitched yet muted tone, providing a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch delivers a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. Both switches have their distinct sound profiles, with the Milk Tea leaning towards a sharper, crisper sound and the Red Panda offering a deep, rich thocky sound. Depending on personal preference and setup, users can choose the switch that aligns best with their desired auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Tea switch is characterized by its polished and silky typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Red Panda switch provides a mild and gentle typing experience, catering to users who prefer a more approachable and middle-ground tactile feel. The differences in feel between the two switches offer users a range of options based on their preferences for typing comfort and feedback.
Overall, both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Depending on one's typing style, preferred sound profile, and desired level of tactile feedback, choosing between these switches can significantly enhance the overall typing experience. Whether opting for the Milk Tea for a more polished and high-pitched sound or the Red Panda for a thocky and mild tactile feel, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a light, high-pitched sound with a smooth typing experience, the Milk Tea switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium, thocky sound with a gentle typing experience, the Red Panda switch would be more suitable. Consider your typing preferences and needs when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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