PH Studio Milk Tea vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch is characterized by its high-pitched yet muted sound, striking a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a light bottom-out force and the use of Ly stem material for effortless keystrokes, it is a great choice for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces. With a consistent feel from top to bottom and a padded bottom-out for added comfort, it provides a buttery and muted typing experience. 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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and TTC Silent Red switches offer unique sound profiles and aesthetics. The Milk Tea features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also contributes to its pleasing sound profile, which is deep and muted, while the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While the housing materials of the Milk Tea and Silent Red differ in terms of their top and bottom components, they each offer distinct advantages. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea provides a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red offers a sharper and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Red enhances the fullness and roundness of the sound. Despite their differences, both switches utilize their housing materials to create pleasant typing experiences tailored to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and TTC Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. The POM and polycarbonate materials each offer unique characteristics that affect the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound profile or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches provide a range of options for customization. By understanding how the different housing materials impact sound and feel, users can select the switch that best suits their individual preferences and typing style.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and TTC Silent Red linear 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, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial push feel. Those who enjoy typing for extended periods may lean towards the Milk Tea switch, while those who prefer a more robust typing experience may opt for the Silent Red switch. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among keyboard users.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch both have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. The Milk Tea has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may affect the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. If you prefer a slightly quicker and more responsive feel, the Milk Tea may be the better option due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more depth and cushioning when pressing down on a key, the Silent Red with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 known for its high-pitched and somewhat marbly sound profile, creating a crisp and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is characterized by a muted sound that minimizes noise, making it suitable for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces. Both switches offer a different auditory experience, with the Milk Tea providing a sharper and more resonant sound compared to the Silent Red's quiet and muffled tones.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Conversely, the Silent Red switch is known for its buttery and mild feel, offering a seamless and gentle typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Milk Tea offering a polished and smooth feel, while the Silent Red delivers a buttery and uniform keystroke sensation.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch excels in providing a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, coupled with a polished and silky feel for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound for noise-sensitive environments, along with a buttery and mild feel for a comfortable typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user needs, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a lighter key press and enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound with a polished and silky feel, then the Milk Tea switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy key press with a muted sound profile and a smooth, buttery or mild feel, then the TTC Silent Red switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
