PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch stand out for their unique features. The Milk Tea switch, with its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, is perfect for those looking for a balance between presence and subtlety during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a quiet typing experience with its cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. These general pointers can help you decide which switch would best suit your needs; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a subtle typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, adding a more pronounced auditory feedback to key presses. While both switches offer pleasing sound profiles, the Milk Tea leans towards a quieter typing experience, while the Silent Ink Black offers a more distinct and lively sound.
The bottom housings of the Milk Tea and Silent Ink Black switches also contribute to their overall sound profiles. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea complements the top housing, creating a cohesive and pleasing typing experience with its deep and muted sound profile. Conversely, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black enhances the higher-pitched and clacky sound produced by the top housing. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of each key press, further enhancing the overall typing experience offered by these switches.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer different sound profiles, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience. The POM and proprietary INK blend materials are specially designed to tailor the sound and feel of each key press, providing users with a personalized typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound like the Milk Tea, or a higher-pitched and clacky sound like the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer unique qualities that enhance the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in the actuation force and bottom out force. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing would find the Silent Ink Black more suitable. However, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Milk Tea being lighter and the Silent Ink Black being heavier, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch. This means that the Milk Tea switch will require slightly less distance to actuate compared to the Silent Ink Black switch. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Milk Tea switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel or find shorter travel distances too abrupt may lean towards the Silent Ink Black switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 clacky sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed to be muted, producing a softer and quieter sound to cater to those seeking a more discreet typing environment. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Milk Tea switch being more prominent and the Silent Ink Black switch offering a more subdued typing experience.
Moving on to feel, both the Milk Tea and Silent Ink Black switches are described as offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The Milk Tea switch is said to feel polished and silky, providing reduced friction and effortless key travel for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch is also noted for its silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In terms of feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience that prioritizes comfort and ease of use.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Milk Tea switch boasts a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and effortless typing feel, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted sound profile and a cushioned bottom-out experience for quieter typing environments. Whether you prefer a more audible and tactile typing experience or a softer and more discreet one, both switches deliver excellent performance and can enhance your overall typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched sound, the Milk Tea may be the perfect fit for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Silent Ink Black is ideal for environments where noise reduction is crucial. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to your personal typing style and workspace requirements. Be sure to test them out and see which one aligns best with your needs.
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