PH Studio Milk Tea vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Milk Tea switch, with its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, is designed for those seeking a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Its light bottom-out force of 43.5g and the use of Ly for the stem material make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch by KTT boasts a buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Milk Tea switch has a 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant' categorization, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild'. 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
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, the most noticeable difference lies in their top housings. The Milk Tea features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The choice of polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a brighter typing experience. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Milk Tea caters to those who enjoy a more subdued and pleasing sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings of these switches, the differences continue to manifest. The Milk Tea boasts a POM bottom housing, which offers a deep and muted sound profile, similar to its top housing. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon contribute unique characteristics to the overall typing experience, it is worth noting that the POM and polycarbonate top housings share some similarities. Both materials offer distinct sound profiles - with POM providing a deeper tone and polycarbonate delivering a brighter sound. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon stands out for its ability to create a fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea is the lighter option. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. The Milk Tea provides a lighter typing experience with lower force requirements, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches offer a different feel in terms of actuation and bottom out force, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Tea switch. The Milk Tea switch falls on the shorter end of the spectrum with its 3.6 mm travel distance, making it a great choice for those who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch's 4 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of experience desired during use.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 is best characterized as having a high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound, providing a balance between sharpness and subtlety. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound, creating a more mellow and moderate auditory experience. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Milk Tea will provide a slightly more sharp and resonant typing sound compared to the Sea Salt Lemon.
In regard to feel, the Milk Tea switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key press with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild typing experience, ensuring a gentle and approachable feel for most users. Both switches prioritize smoothness, but the Milk Tea switch may have a sleeker and more premium feel due to its polished qualities.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it can be said that both switches offer distinct sound and feel experiences tailored to different preferences. The Milk Tea excels in providing a sharper and more refined typing sound with its high-pitched and clacky characteristics, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more mellow and neutral sound for a moderate typing experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness in typing, with the Milk Tea having a potentially sleeker feel due to its polished nature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a high-pitched, clacky switch with a polished and silky feel, the Milk Tea may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions and offers a unique auditory blend with a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, if you prefer a low-pitched, neutral switch with a mild and approachable typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon may be more suitable for your needs. This switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for various environments. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences. Choose the switch that best fits your typing needs and enjoy a satisfying typing experience with either the Milk Tea or Sea Salt Lemon switch.
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