PH Studio Milk Tea vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Milk Tea switch, known for its high-pitched yet muted sound, provides a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, with a light bottom-out pressure perfect for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a muted sound profile. Both switches have their own characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
63.5g
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
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
Plate (3-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 TTC Silent Brown, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles due to their different materials. The Milk Tea's POM top housing provides a deeper and muted sound, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. These differences in sound profile can greatly affect the overall typing experience for users, with the Milk Tea offering a more subdued typing sound compared to the Silent Brown's more pronounced key presses.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing and the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing also offer distinct sound profiles. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown produces a fuller and rounder sound. These differences in sound profiles are a result of the materials used in the bottom housing, with softer nylon absorbing more sound compared to the stiffer POM material.
While the top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea and Silent Brown switches offer different sound profiles, the impact of each housing material on the typing experience is evident. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences due to their distinct housing materials and resulting sound profiles.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch differ significantly. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Silent Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch and easier typing experience, the Milk Tea switch would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push sensation may opt for the Silent Brown switch for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their quick response times. The Milk Tea is slightly shorter than the Silent Brown, but the difference in travel distance is minimal. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for a slightly shorter or slightly longer travel distance.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 characterized by a high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound that is surprisingly muted, offering a unique auditory experience that strikes a balance between noticeable presence and subtle tones. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, providing a quieter typing experience overall. Depending on personal preference, the Milk Tea switch may appeal to those who enjoy a sharper sound, while the Silent Brown switch would suit those who prefer a quieter typing environment.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea linear switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined keystroke that minimizes friction and enhances key travel. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Milk Tea may appeal more to those who prefer a smoother key feel, while the Silent Brown switch caters to individuals seeking a softer and more uniform keystroke.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch offers a high-pitched and somewhat clacky sound with a polished and silky typing experience, while the Silent Brown switch provides a muted sound profile with a buttery and mild keystroke feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches are solid options that cater to different needs within the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 43.5 grams and a high-pitched, clacky sound, the Milk Tea switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams and a muted sound profile, along with a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown switch could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and needs. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and enjoy a satisfying keyboard experience.
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