PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Milk Tea is celebrated for its high-pitched yet gentle sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a balance between presence and subtlety during typing sessions. With a light bottom-out force and a stem material that enhances the typing experience, the Milk Tea is perfect for prolonged use. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is designed for those who desire a tactile typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment. It provides a medium bump and a quiet bottom-out feel, making it ideal for users who want both tactile feedback and minimal noise. While these general pointers provide an overview of each switch's characteristics, delving deeper into their unique features and functionalities will help you choose the best switch for your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37.5g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer contrasting sound profiles based on their composition. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea creates a deep and relatively muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) produces a sharper and crisper sound. The flexibility of the POM material contributes to a more subdued sound, whereas the stiffness of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for customizable RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for visually appealing setups.
While the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea provides a similar deeper and muted sound profile as its top housing, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a different experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics between the two switches' bottom housings adds variety to the typing experience for users. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced blend of qualities that impact both the bottom-out sound and feel, as well as the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Milk Tea and Silent T1 (Shrimp) plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. Whether it be the deep and muted qualities of POM or the sharp and crisp qualities of polycarbonate, each material offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The blending of top and bottom housing materials further enhances the overall sound and feel of the switches, providing users with a customizable typing experience based on their desired sound profile.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea has a light actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, with the actuation force being unknown. The Milk Tea is lighter in terms of force required for both actuation and bottom out, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a stronger push feel with a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. So, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Milk Tea would be the better option, while those looking for a heavier typing experience should opt for the Silent T1 (Shrimp).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea has a shorter distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has a longer distance of 4 mm. In this case, if you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Milk Tea would be the optimal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and feel, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference 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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 somewhat muted auditory profile, offering a blend of presence and subtlety in each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch is designed to be muted, providing a quieter typing experience for noise-sensitive environments. Both switches aim to minimize noise, but the Milk Tea leans towards a crisper, sharper sound, while the Silent T1 prioritizes a softer, quieter feedback.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is often described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. The Silent T1 (Shrimp), on the other hand, is known for its stepped and accented tactile feel, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through different tactile approaches, with the Milk Tea focusing on smoothness and the Silent T1 offering a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch provide distinct sound and feel qualities catering to different preferences. The Milk Tea excels in offering a high-pitched yet muted sound with a polished and silky feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a balance between crispness and smoothness. On the other hand, the Silent T1 shines in providing a muted sound with a stepped and accented tactile feel, ideal for users seeking a quieter typing experience with a medium amount of tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, ensuring that regardless of choice, users can expect satisfying results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a light bottom-out force, a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, and a polished and silky typing experience, then the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a muted sound profile, and a stepped or accented tactile feel, then the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and preferences. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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