PH Studio Milk Tea vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both offer unique and desirable qualities. The Milk Tea switch, known for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, is designed for prolonged typing sessions with its accessible 43.5g bottom-out force and Ly stem material that enhances keystroke ease. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is perfect for those who prefer a noise-free environment, despite its name, offering a silent operation and advanced dampening technology for a comfortable typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences in keyboard switches. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Semi Mute differ in terms of sound profile and aesthetic qualities. The Milk Tea's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is favored for its translucency, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In terms of sound quality, the POM material in the Milk Tea provides a unique and pleasing sound profile, while the polycarbonate material in the Semi Mute offers a clear and resonant sound.
Despite their differences, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Semi Mute benefit from the qualities of their respective housing materials. The POM top and bottom housings in the Milk Tea create a consistent and pleasing sound profile with a deeper tone, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings in the Semi Mute offer a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate material in the Semi Mute's housing allows for a visually appealing aesthetic when paired with RGB lighting. Overall, whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound profile or a sharper, higher-pitched sound, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Ultimately, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Semi Mute will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The POM housing in the Milk Tea provides a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper tone, while the polycarbonate housing in the Semi Mute offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The impact of each housing material is felt differently when pressing down on the switch or releasing a key, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released. Whether you prioritize sound quality or visual appeal, both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch requires less force to trigger a keypress, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Milk Tea switch also has a lighter force of 43.5 grams, while the Semi Mute switch has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Semi Mute switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Milk Tea switch offers a lighter typing experience, while the Semi Mute switch requires a bit more force for both actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. The Milk Tea switch is shorter in travel distance compared to the Semi Mute switch. Gamers may prefer the Milk Tea switch for its faster response times due to the shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more hearty and deeper feel when typing or gaming. In terms of travel distance, the Milk Tea switch offers a quicker activation while the Semi Mute switch provides a slightly longer distance for a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 is known for its high-pitched and slightly clacky characteristics, offering a unique auditory experience that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. Depending on personal preference, the Milk Tea switch may be more suitable for those who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound, while the Semi Mute switch caters to individuals who prioritize a noise-free experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In comparison, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a buttery and mild feel, delivering a seamless and gentle typing sensation that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches aim to enhance typing comfort and reduce resistance when pressing and releasing keys, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea switch boasts a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and silky feel, the Semi Mute switch provides a muted and neutral sound profile paired with a buttery and mild typing experience. Whether you prefer a more pronounced and refined auditory feedback or a quiet and smooth typing feel, both switches cater to specific needs and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound with a polished and silky typing feel, the Milk Tea switch might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment with a muted sound and a buttery or mild typing feel, the Semi Mute switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics catered to different typing needs.
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