PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Akko Rosewood

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect linear switch for a mechanical keyboard, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and Akko Rosewood switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, stands out with its unique auditory profile, combining a high-pitched sound with a muted quality, which makes it an exquisite choice for those who appreciate a blend of presence and subtlety. Its Ly stem material contributes to a remarkably effortless keystroke, providing a smooth and polished experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch captivates users with its deep, thocky sound right out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied layer of lubricant that ensures a rich auditory feedback. While the Milk Tea excels in delivering a lofty yet refined acoustic, the Rosewood focuses on delivering a fuller, more resonant sound. Each switch holds its own appeal—Milk Tea for its delicate balance and effortless typing, and Rosewood for its satisfying thocky resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

Akko Rosewood Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Akko Rosewood switches feature distinct housing materials that define their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Milk Tea switches utilize POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, contributing to their unique sound characteristics. POM is known for creating a sound that is pleasing yet muted, leading to a deeper and more nuanced auditory experience. This sound profile is particularly attractive to users who prefer a quieter and more subdued keystroke, making the Milk Tea switches ideal for environments where noise may be a concern.

In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches are equipped with nylon housings for both the top and bottom. Similar to POM, nylon is also a softer plastic, but its acoustics present a fuller and more rounded sound profile. Due to its ability to absorb sound better than harder materials, typing on tactile nylon switches results in a deeper resonance that can enhance the overall sensation during use. This key difference in materials emphasizes a slightly more vibrant auditory experience when compared with the Milk Tea switches, appealing to users who favor a richer sound while typing.

Although the PH Studio Milk Tea and Akko Rosewood switches utilize different materials, they both deliver similar results in terms of the overall sound profile – deeper and more muted, albeit with differing nuances. The distinct characteristics of each housing material play complementary roles in shaping the typing experience. For users seeking a unique auditory experience, the softer feel of both nylon and POM ensures that the switches respond well, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, while housed in different materials, both switch types resonate with an audible richness that enhances the typing experience, catering to varied preferences among typists.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which affect the typing experience. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a softer option ideal for extended typing periods. In contrast, the Rosewood switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel. While both switches fall within the light range, the Milk Tea switch is the lighter choice, offering easier keystrokes, which can benefit users who type for long durations or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. Overall, users may prefer the Milk Tea for a softer experience or the Rosewood for a more pronounced tactile feedback due to its higher force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Milk Tea features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rosewood has a travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Milk Tea switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Rosewood switch provides a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress, allowing for a more deliberate typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences; those who enjoy faster actuation might gravitate towards the Milk Tea, while users who appreciate a richer depth may choose the Rosewood. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing style and preferences, giving each switch its own appeal.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized by a fairly high-pitched tone, giving it a clacky and marbly quality. This switch delivers a muted yet resonant sound profile that strikes a balance between clarity and subtlety, ensuring that each keystroke provides auditory feedback without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch produces a deep, satisfying thock that is rich and full-bodied straight from the factory, thanks to a layer of lubricant that enhances its sound. While both switches offer distinct auditory characteristics, the Milk Tea leans towards a higher, cleaner sound, whereas the Rosewood provides a more grounded and resonant tone.

In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch shines with its polished and silky characteristics, providing a smooth, effortless typing experience. This refined finish reduces friction and enhances key travel, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes. Although the feel of the Akko Rosewood switch is not detailed in the provided information, many linear switches in a similar category tend to offer a smooth experience as well, making it reasonable to expect a degree of comfort and smoothness here as well. Users looking for a refined typing experience will likely find satisfaction in both switches, but the Milk Tea’s notable smoothness sets a higher bar in this aspect.

In conclusion, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and Akko Rosewood linear switches present appealing options for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. The Milk Tea switch captivates with its high-pitched, marbly sound and exceptionally smooth feel, while the Rosewood offers a satisfying thocky sound typical of a well-lubed switch. Ultimately, those who appreciate a crisper auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Milk Tea, while fans of a deeper tone will find the Rosewood switch to be more entrancing. Both switches will provide satisfying typing experiences, but individuals should consider their auditory preferences and desired typing feel to choose the perfect fit for their mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, consider your typing preferences, auditory needs, and desired tactile experience. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound with a polished and silky feel, the Milk Tea switch would be your best choice. It’s especially suitable for those who type frequently and prefer an effortless keystroke that doesn't require much force. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and are drawn to a deeper, more satisfying thocky sound, the Rosewood switch will serve you well. It’s an excellent option for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with a robust feel during typing. Overall, your choice should align with the sound profile and tactile sensation you find most enjoyable, ensuring that your keyboard experience is tailored to your personal preferences.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more