PH Studio Milk Tea vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch stands out for its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a low bottom-out force of 43.5g and a smooth typing experience thanks to the Ly stem material, it is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch offers a medium-light typing experience with a relatively low-pitched sound profile. While the Milk Tea switch is characterized as 'Clacky' and 'Marbly', the RedBlue switch is described as 'Neutral' and 'Thocky'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your specific typing preferences and needs. 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
57g
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
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
Polycarbonate
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 SP-Star RedBlue switches offer contrasting characteristics in terms of sound profile. The Milk Tea's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique and pleasing auditory experience. In comparison, the RedBlue's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. While POM offers a more subtle sound, polycarbonate delivers a more vibrant and distinct auditory feedback.
Both the Milk Tea and RedBlue switches utilize POM for their bottom housings, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by a deep and muted tone. However, the top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound and aesthetics. The Milk Tea's POM top housing continues the trend of offering a pleasing and unique sound profile, while the RedBlue's polycarbonate top housing enhances the sharpness and clarity of the switch's sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. This contrast showcases how different housing materials can influence the overall experience of using a mechanical keyboard switch.
When comparing the impact of housing materials on the overall feel and sound of a switch, it is important to consider how the top and bottom housings contribute to the user's experience. The bottom housing, whether made of POM or polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This split in qualities between the top and bottom housings demonstrates how the choice of materials can influence the tactile and auditory feedback of a mechanical keyboard switch, ultimately shaping the user's typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams, making it easier to type on for extended periods of time without causing fatigue. In contrast, the RedBlue switch has a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams, which offers a slightly firmer typing experience. Both switches have different actuation forces, with the Milk Tea being lighter and the RedBlue being medium-light. This makes the Milk Tea more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, while the RedBlue is better suited for those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, we can see that the Milk Tea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the RedBlue's 4 mm. This means that the Milk Tea will provide a slightly quicker response time when pressed, which can be advantageous for gamers looking for a faster reaction speed. On the other hand, the RedBlue's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Both options fall within the range of common travel distances, with 4.0mm being the traditional standard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 high-pitched yet somewhat muted tones, creating a balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch provides a lower-pitched sound profile, making it suitable for those who prefer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Milk Tea switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, while the RedBlue switch is characterized as low-pitched and thocky. Depending on the user's preference for sound, the Milk Tea switch may offer a sharper and crisper auditory experience, while the RedBlue switch provides a deeper and more satisfying sound when pressed.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is noted for its polished and silky typing experience, thanks to the use of Ly material for the stem, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch provides a mild and polished typing feel, creating a gentle and approachable typing experience. Both switches offer a smooth and refined finish, enhancing the overall typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Whether a user prefers a more gentle typing experience (RedBlue) or a slightly more refined and effortless typing feel (Milk Tea), both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, when considering the auditory and tactile qualities of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, users can expect a significant difference in sound profile with the Milk Tea switch offering a higher-pitched, clacky sound compared to the lower-pitched, thocky sound of the RedBlue switch. In terms of feel, both switches provide a polished and smooth typing experience, but the Milk Tea switch may offer a slightly more refined and effortless feel due to the Ly material used in the stem. Ultimately, users should consider their preference for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience tailored to their individual needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a lighter bottom-out force and a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Milk Tea may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a low-pitched, thocky sound profile, the RedBlue switch could be more to your liking. Additionally, if you prioritize a polished and silky feel, both switches offer a refined typing experience, but the Milk Tea leans more towards a silky feel while the RedBlue provides a mild and polished experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing force when selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
