PH Studio Milk Tea vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its unique auditory profile that strikes a balance between a high-pitched clack and a muted overall sound, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a bit of acoustic feedback in their typing without it being overwhelming. With its lightweight Ly stem material, each keystroke feels smooth and effortless, appealing to users who enjoy a polished, silky touch. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switch is ideal for users who prioritize quietness in their keyboard experience, functioning almost silently like gentle raindrops. Its ultra-light 43g actuation force is specifically designed for lighter typists, making it perfect for anyone looking for a serene and undisturbed typing environment. Both switches have their strengths, but their varied characteristics lead to different typing experiences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches, it is evident that there are both similarities and differences that impact the overall sound profile they produce. The Milk Tea features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for generating a deeper, more muted sound. This characteristic aligns closely with the properties of the Silent Sakura's nylon top housing, which also elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both materials have qualities that contribute to a sound that is less sharp and more rounded, suggesting that users may experience a similar auditory environment when typing or gaming with either switch. Those looking for a sound that isn’t overly sharp might find both switch options appealing.
In terms of the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches are more pronounced. The Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also supports that muted and pleasing sound, while the Silent Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which creates a crisper, higher-pitched sound. The hardness of polycarbonate tends to resonate more clearly compared to POM, making the typist's experience notably different when bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches can produce satisfying acoustics, the Silent Sakura offers a more vibrant auditory response due to its stiffer materials, thereby enhancing the clarity of each keystroke.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials contributes to the overall sonic experience of each switch. While users may appreciate the deeper sound profiles of both switches for different reasons, the PH Studio Milk Tea leans towards a more muted auditory experience, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provides a brighter, more defined sound. In practice, this means that although you may achieve similar satisfaction from typing on both switches, the intricacies of their design will lead to distinct auditory and tactile feedback, influenced largely by the bottom housing of each switch. Thus, players and typists alike may choose between them based on their auditory preferences and desired keystroke feedback.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. The Milk Tea switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the 37 grams of the Silent Sakura, while its bottom out force is also a bit heavier at 43.5 grams versus 43 grams for the Silent Sakura. This difference indicates that the Milk Tea switch requires marginally more force to both actuate and bottom out, providing a slightly firmer feel. Nevertheless, both switches are relatively light, thus catering to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. In summary, the Milk Tea is the heavier switch in both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Silent Sakura offers a marginally lighter option, though both still fall within the realm of light switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch shows a clear distinction. The Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura switch measures longer at 4 mm. This indicates that the Milk Tea switch offers a more responsive feel, catering to gamers and users who prefer quicker actuation. Conversely, the Silent Sakura, with its longer travel distance, may be favored by those who appreciate a more deliberate and hearty keystroke. Overall, if you desire speed and responsiveness, the Milk Tea's shorter travel distance would be the better choice, while the Silent Sakura is ideal for a more traditional typing experience with its longer travel.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a distinctive auditory experience characterized by its high-pitched and clacky nature. This switch delivers a sharp, bright, and percussive sound that can be described as both marbly and resonant, evoking a sense of clarity and crispness in every keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch is engineered for a completely different auditory profile, prioritizing a whisper-quiet typing experience. While specific sound descriptors for the Silent Sakura haven't been provided, it is designed to remain subdued, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. As a result, whereas the Milk Tea switch's sound might be invigorating for many, the Silent Sakura leans toward serenity and discretion.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch stands out with its polished and silky characteristics. Users can expect a highly refined and smooth typing experience that significantly reduces friction, allowing for seamless key travel. This quality makes typing a joy, enhancing both precision and comfort. Unfortunately, no specific descriptors for the feel of the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switch were detailed, leaving its tactile qualities a mystery. However, given its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, it likely offers a lighter and perhaps less resistant feel, which could be suited for typists who prefer a gentle touch.
Overall, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch delivers a bright and engaging sound complemented by a delightful tactile experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g provides a quiet and understated solution for those in need of a silent typing environment. The notable contrast in their sound profiles and the smoothness of the Milk Tea suggest that one's choice will largely depend on the desired typing environment—lively and resonant versus calm and unobtrusive. If you're looking for a refined and fluid typing experience, the Milk Tea is a robust choice, while the Silent Sakura may be ideal for focused workspaces where quiet is paramount.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a tactile experience with a distinct auditory feedback, the Milk Tea switch is an excellent choice. Its clacky, high-pitched sound combined with a polished, silky feel elevates the typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for both casual and active typers who appreciate the sound of their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you value a quieter and more serene atmosphere for your typing, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the superior option. With its ultra-light force and whisper-quiet operation, it’s designed to provide a gentle and unobtrusive typing experience, perfect for working in shared spaces or for those who prefer minimal distraction. In short, your choice should align with whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile enjoyment or a tranquil and subtle typing environment.
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