PH Studio Milk Tea vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g each bring their own distinct characteristics to the table, appealing to different user preferences. The Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, offers a unique auditory experience with its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience paired with a silky-smooth keystroke. Its clackiness and resonant quality provide an engaging feedback loop that many typists find satisfying. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those who prefer a tranquil typing environment. With a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, it promises a whisper-quiet experience that mimics the soothing sound of rain, ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. While both switches share a linear design that offers smooth actuation without tactile bumps, they cater to very different auditory and tactile preferences. 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
53g
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
The PH Studio Milk Tea and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches exhibit distinct characteristics due to the differing materials used in their housings. The Milk Tea switches utilize POM (polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. This particular sound quality arises from POM's dense and low-friction nature, effectively dampening sound waves for a softer acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g presents a combination of nylon for the top housing and polycarbonate for the bottom housing, resulting in a contrasting auditory experience. While the nylon top delivers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition, the polycarbonate bottom enhances clarity and resonance, producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile upon actuation.
When comparing the two switches, the distinction in the bottom housing materials becomes particularly important. The PH Studio Milk Tea's POM bottom housing perpetuates the muted quality of the sound characteristic to the entire switch, ensuring consistent auditory depth throughout. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing used in the Silent Sakura introduces a clearer and more resonant tone, making it better suited for those who prefer a crisper feel and sound when typing. Therefore, while the Milk Tea maintains a consistent sound experience through the use of a singular material, the Silent Sakura offers a blend of qualities from its hybrid housing materials, presenting a more dynamic acoustic profile with potential variation in the auditory feedback.
Ultimately, users seeking to achieve similar results from both switches may need to adapt based on the distinct attributes of the housing materials. Though the Milk Tea primarily delivers a deeply muted sound due to its POM construction, and the Silent Sakura creates a more pronounced auditory experience stemming from its nylon and polycarbonate materials, both switches can produce satisfying typing experiences. Understanding how each housing material affects the sound quality can help users select a switch that aligns with their preferences—whether seeking a soft, muted sound or a vibrant, sharp tone—while still enjoying the tactile benefits of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Milk Tea switch features a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer less effort during typing or gaming, which can lead to greater comfort during prolonged use. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience favored by individuals who appreciate a firmer push feel. Therefore, the Milk Tea switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Sakura is the heavier choice. This distinction means users can expect a different tactile experience, aligning with their typing and gaming preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional depth, appealing to users who appreciate a fuller keypress experience, while the Milk Tea switch provides a shorter travel distance that can enhance responsiveness, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking quick reaction times. Thus, if you're looking for more rapid feedback from your keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch would be the more suitable option, whereas those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feel might prefer the Silent Sakura.
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 - 53g 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 unique auditory experience characterized by a high-pitched and somewhat clacky tone. This distinct sound profile is sharp and crisp, similar to the striking clarity of a marbly switch, providing an engaging auditory feedback that is both resonant and clean. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is engineered for a whisper-quiet operation, delivering an almost serene typing experience reminiscent of gentle raindrops. While the Milk Tea's sound can create an active environment when typing, the Silent Sakura prioritizes discretion, making it an ideal choice for quieter settings, such as an office or library.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea excels with its polished and silky characteristics, which contribute to an incredibly smooth typing experience. The combination of materials and potential factory lubing ensures reduced friction and a luxurious key travel, which allows for effortless keystrokes. However, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch does not provide specific details on its tactile feel, leaving a gap in comparative analysis. Thus, while the Milk Tea guarantees a refined typing sensation, the tactile feedback of the Silent Sakura remains unknown.
To summarize, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch thrives on its high-pitched, resonant sound and buttery-smooth feel, making it suited for typing enthusiasts who enjoy an expressive auditory experience alongside a refined keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g provides a muted sound profile that emphasizes a quiet typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued environment. The difference in auditory feedback is significant, but tactile qualities of the Silent Sakura remain unclear. Ultimately, whether you seek a lively auditory experience or a serene typing environment will guide your choice, as both switches offer unique advantages tailored to distinct preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for tactile feel and sound during your typing experience. If you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 43.5 grams, the Milk Tea switch may be more suitable for you, particularly if you're looking for a smooth, polished feel with a clacky, high-pitched auditory signature. This makes it an excellent choice for both casual and fast-paced typists who appreciate a responsive and lively keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 53 grams and a whisper-quiet typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 53g would likely be the better fit. These switches are geared towards those who enjoy a satisfying yet subdued keystroke that minimizes noise, making them ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you intend to use your keyboard.
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