PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Dareu Sky V4

Overview

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea is known for its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of just 43.5g, it's designed for prolonged typing sessions and offers effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sky V4 stands out for its innovative use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature that complements its smooth linear action. While the Milk Tea is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Sky V4 is classified as 'Thocky', 'Neutral', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bouncy'. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them suitable choices for different typing 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

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Dareu Sky V4 offer different characteristics and benefits. The Milk Tea utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. On the other hand, the Sky V4 incorporates POK for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The POK material in the Sky V4 contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches, with exceptional strength and wear resistance. In contrast, nylon in the Sky V4's bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties.

While the POM top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea provide a consistent sound profile throughout key presses, the split housings of the Sky V4 distribute different qualities between the top and bottom of the switch. The POK top housing in the Sky V4 impacts the sound when you release a key, contributing to its smooth and clacky attributes. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a duller and rounder sound profile during typing. This separation of housing materials allows for a nuanced and varied typing experience.

Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Milk Tea and the Sky V4 offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. While the POM in the Milk Tea lends itself to a more muted and deep sound, the POK and nylon combination in the Sky V4 provides a smooth and clacky typing experience with added durability and wear resistance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel, as both options offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch present a noticeable difference in weight. The Milk Tea has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Sky V4's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Additionally, the Milk Tea requires a lighter bottom out force of 43.5 grams compared to the Sky V4's 55 grams, indicating a lighter overall typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Milk Tea would be the more suitable option. On the other hand, the Sky V4 offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique advantages based on personal preferences, with the Milk Tea being lighter and the Sky V4 falling into the medium-light category in terms of force requirements for key presses. Ultimately, selecting the ideal switch would depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience a consistent travel distance. This similarity ensures that users will get a similar typing experience with both switches, as they will both offer the same amount of key travel. Overall, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide equal results and performance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched yet muted tones, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. With a clacky and resonant nature, it promises a satisfying auditory experience that is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 switch distinguishes itself with a deeper, thocky sound signature that complements its smooth linear action, resulting in a rich and satisfying typing experience. While the Milk Tea leans towards a high-pitched and clean sound profile, the Sky V4 offers a more neutral and low-pitched tone. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. The use of Ly for the stem material enhances the overall smoothness, ensuring that every keystroke feels effortless. In contrast, the Sky V4 switch is characterized by a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively feel and rebound when pressed. While the Milk Tea emphasizes a polished and silky typing experience, the Sky V4 focuses on a bouncy and responsive feel.

In conclusion, both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Milk Tea excels in providing a balance between high-pitched tones and smooth key travel, the Sky V4 stands out with its deeper, thocky sound signature and bouncy feedback sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that is tailored to different typing needs. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and Sky V4 will depend on individual preferences and the overall typing experience desired.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force and a unique auditory blend that balances presence and subtlety, then the Milk Tea switch with its high-pitched sound and polished feel may be the right choice for you, especially if you engage in extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a deeper sound signature with a smooth linear action, the Sky V4 switch with its thocky sound and bouncy feel might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing needs and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Dareu Sky V4 Linear

$7.78

$4.76 per 10

Learn more