PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea linear switch from PH Studio is renowned for its high-pitched yet muted sound, striking a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material of Ly for effortless typing, it is perfect for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel is complemented by a subtle yet polished touch. While the Milk Tea switch leans towards a clacky and high-pitched experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a subdued and buttery typing sensation. 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
N/A
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
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique characteristics that impact the sound profile and overall typing experience. The Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, providing a pleasing typing experience. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the POM top housing of the Milk Tea focuses on a deeper tone, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear emphasizes clarity and resonance.
When comparing the bottom housing materials of the Milk Tea and the Semi-Silent Linear, the differences are pronounced. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear elicits a fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. These contrasting characteristics result in distinct typing experiences for users of both switches, with the Milk Tea offering a deeper sound and the Semi-Silent Linear providing a fuller sound with a rounder tone.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and feel of typing. While the Milk Tea and Semi-Silent Linear switches both offer unique characteristics, such as POM and polycarbonate top housings, as well as POM and nylon bottom housings, the differences in material properties contribute to distinct typing experiences. Whether seeking a deeper and muted sound or a sharper and crisper sound, users can select the switch that best suits their preferences based on the housing materials used in the construction of the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences. 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 those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch's actuation force is unknown, but it has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Those who prefer a heavier push when typing or gaming may find the Semi-Silent Linear switch more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. If the actuation forces were the same, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm distance. The Milk Tea has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7mm. This difference of 0.1mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Milk Tea with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear. Overall, both switches offer a shorter travel distance than the standard, providing a more responsive 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 offers a high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound profile, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch produces a more subdued and neutral sound, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Milk Tea switch may cater to those who enjoy a sharper and more resonant sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch appeals to users seeking a quieter and more understated typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky typing sensation, offering effortless keystrokes and reduced friction. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild and buttery, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience that is responsive and easy on the fingers. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable and pleasant feel, with the Milk Tea emphasizing smoothness and refinement, while the Semi-Silent Linear focuses on a more approachable and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea switch excels in providing a high-pitched and polished sound with a silky typing feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its subdued and buttery sound profile paired with a mild and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their desired typing characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a soft and quiet typing experience with a medium actuation force, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a high-pitched, yet muted sound profile with a lighter actuation force, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound and feel you prefer while typing, as both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your overall typing experience.
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