PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Smoothie 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 Gateron Smoothie stand out as linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Milk Tea, manufactured by BSUN, is known for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it a versatile option for those seeking a balance between presence and subtlety. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly, this switch is designed for extended typing sessions, providing an effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, thanks to its all-POM construction. With a lightweight touch and a lower pitch compared to the Milk Tea, the Smoothie is a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Smoothie are both made of POM, which creates a unique sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. This means that both switches will provide a pleasant typing experience with a quieter sound compared to other materials. The POM top housing in both switches contributes to the overall sound profile, making them enjoyable to use in various settings without being too loud or distracting.
However, where the two switches differ is in the bottom housing material. While the Milk Tea has a POM bottom housing, the Smoothie also utilizes POM for its bottom housing. This split in housing materials affects the overall typing feel of the switches. The bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how subtle differences in housing materials can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch.
In terms of performance, both the Milk Tea and the Smoothie offer a similar typing experience due to their shared POM housing materials. The deep and muted sound profile produced by the POM material creates a pleasing typing experience that is comfortable for prolonged use. While the bottom housing may have a slightly different impact on the typing feel between the two switches, overall, users can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing experience with either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as the differences in housing materials may be subtle to the average user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is the lighter option. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams, but the bottom out force is unspecified. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Milk Tea offers a lighter actuation and force to bottom out, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where a softer touch is desired. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the PH Studio Milk Tea and Gateron Smoothie linear switches have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing them, both switches offer a similar key feel as they travel the same distance from top to bottom. This means that whether you choose the Milk Tea or the Smoothie, you can expect comparable results in terms of key press feel and distance traveled. While some mechanical switches may vary in travel distance, the identical 3.6 mm travel distance of these two switches ensures a consistent experience for users who prefer a linear switch with a moderate travel distance.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 offers a unique balance of high-pitched yet muted sound, providing a gentle and pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is known for its thocky sound signature, offering a deep and satisfying tone when pressed. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, users can expect a pleasing auditory experience with either option, depending on their preference for higher-pitched or low-pitched sounds. Additionally, factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced by the switches.
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. In comparison, the Gateron Smoothie switch is noted for being buttery, creamy, and silky, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches prioritize delivering a smooth and comfortable typing feel, ensuring a satisfying tactile experience for users. Whether you prefer a polished and refined feel or a buttery and creamy sensation, both the Milk Tea and Smoothie switches are designed to enhance typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch provides a high-pitched yet muted sound paired with a polished and silky typing feel, catering to those seeking a gentle auditory experience and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch delivers a thocky sound signature and a buttery, creamy, and silky typing feel, emphasizing a deep and satisfying tone with effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring users can enjoy a customized typing experience based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a light keystroke with a high-pitched, clacky sound and a polished, silky feel, the Milk Tea may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound with a mellow, low-pitched tone and a buttery, creamy feel, the Smoothie could be more suited to your liking. The Milk Tea is designed for prolonged typing sessions with its light bottom-out force, while the Smoothie offers a unique all-POM construction for a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you desire.
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