PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea linear switch boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who value a balance between presence and subtlety during typing sessions. With a light bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material designed for effortless keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch is perfect for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its pastel colors and dry, airy typing experience. Despite a higher 62g bottom-out force, these switches still provide a weightless and smooth feel that defies expectations. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
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 Durock Sea Glass both aim to create a unique and pleasing sound profile for mechanical switches. The Milk Tea utilizes POM for both top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top and bottom housings, offering a sound profile that is described as bright yet not overly sharp. While both switches prioritize sound quality, the choice of materials leads to distinct differences in the overall sound experience.
The POM top housing of the Milk Tea and the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing of the Sea Glass showcase contrasting characteristics in terms of sound. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea produces a deeper sound profile, whereas the Sea Glass's top housing results in a brighter sound. These differences in sound can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Milk Tea offering a more subdued sound compared to the Sea Glass. Depending on personal preferences, individuals may opt for a switch with a deeper sound like the Milk Tea or a switch with a brighter sound like the Sea Glass.
The bottom housings of the Milk Tea and the Sea Glass play a crucial role in determining the overall feel and sound of the switch. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea and the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Sea Glass cater to these specific aspects, contributing to the switches' overall sound profiles. By considering the individual impact of top and bottom housings, users can make informed decisions based on their preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch differ in weight, ultimately impacting 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 ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The difference in weight between the two switches offers users the option to choose based on their personal preference for typing feedback. Ultimately, those who opt for the Milk Tea switch may find it more responsive and lighter on touch, while those who choose the Sea Glass switch may benefit from a more pronounced and heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel may lean towards the Milk Tea switch, while those who enjoy a slightly more deliberate keypress might opt for the Sea Glass switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a balance between speed and comfort.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 presents a high-pitched and muted auditory blend that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. It offers a clacky and marbly sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a sharp and clean sound while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch emits a uniquely hollow sound signature, emanating dryness, wispiness, and airiness. Although there is no specific descriptor provided for the sound of the Sea Glass switch, its distinct dryness and weightlessness contribute to a smooth and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch offers a polished and silky typing experience, ensuring smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. Its lightweight bottom-out force of 43.5g makes it effortless for prolonged typing sessions. The Durock Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, offering a fluid travel with minimal resistance. With a bottom-out force of 62g, the Sea Glass switch feels feathery and easy-to-press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Both switches cater to users looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the Milk Tea emphasizing refined key travel and the Sea Glass focusing on effortless key presses.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch each offer a unique sound and feel profile tailored to different preferences. While the Milk Tea switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and silky typing feel, the Sea Glass switch offers a hollow sound with a frictionless and feathery typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound with refined key travel or a smoother sound with effortless key presses, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force of 43.5 grams, a high-pitched and gentle sound profile, and a polished and silky typing feel, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you engage in prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, a unique dry and airy typing experience with a hollow sound signature, and a frictionless and feathery typing feel, the Sea Glass switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, bottom-out force, and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
