PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea and Jerrzi Salt Ice mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea by PH Studio is celebrated for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a blend of presence and subtlety during typing sessions. With a light bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material of Ly for effortless keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch is designed for prolonged use and tailored to those with extensive typing needs. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches by Jerrzi stand out with their bright and clacky feedback, coupled with a light touch for an energetic and responsive typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, it is evident that the Milk Tea uses POM for both the top and bottom housings, while the Salt Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both components. The use of POM in the Milk Tea results in a deeper and more muted sound profile, while polycarbonate in the Salt Ice creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile compared to POM. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, while POM offers a more unique sound experience.
Although both the Milk Tea and Salt Ice feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the qualities of each material are still apparent in the overall sound and feel of the switches. Pressing down on a switch will emphasize the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while releasing a key will showcase the qualities of the top housing. The deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Milk Tea contrasts with the sharper and higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the Salt Ice, providing users with distinct auditory experiences based on the housing material used.
Ultimately, the choice between the POM housing of the Milk Tea and the polycarbonate housing of the Salt Ice comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. While the POM in the Milk Tea offers a unique and pleasing sound, the polycarbonate in the Salt Ice provides a crisper and more resonant sound experience. Both materials have their own advantages, with POM offering a deeper sound and polycarbonate delivering a clearer sound with a higher pitch. Whether you prefer a more muted sound or a sharper sound, the housing materials of these switches play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it's clear that the Milk Tea is the lighter option. With an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, the Milk Tea provides a smooth and easy typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice is the heavier choice, with an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Salt Ice is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Milk Tea would be the preferable option. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Salt Ice with its heavier actuation force may be the better choice. Overall, understanding the weight differences between the two switches can help users make an informed decision based on their personal preferences.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Salt Ice. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in how the key feels when pressed. If you prefer a slightly deeper press with more feedback, the Milk Tea might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Salt Ice could be more appealing. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers or those looking for more responsiveness in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and how you like the feel of the keys when typing or gaming.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 unique blend of high-pitched tones with a muted essence, providing a balance between presence and subtlety. This characteristic makes it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the satisfying sound feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, delivering a more energetic and vibrant typing experience. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, users can expect similar results in terms of overall auditory feedback depending on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. This makes it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions, offering a pleasant tactile feel with each keystroke. As for the Salt Ice switch, information on its specific feel characteristics is unavailable. However, based on its bright and clacky sound profile, users can anticipate a responsive and tactile typing experience that matches the switch's energetic auditory feedback.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch offer contrasting yet appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch caters to those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, while the Salt Ice switch is tailored for users seeking a more vibrant and responsive feel. Whether choosing the Milk Tea for its balance of presence and subtlety or the Salt Ice for its bright and clacky feedback, both switches provide distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, with careful consideration of personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a higher-pitched and muted auditory experience with a light touch, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bright and clacky sound with effortless actuation, the Salt Ice switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek.
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