PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea, a linear switch, is renowned for its high-pitched yet muted sound and a bottom-out force of 43.5g, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver, also a linear switch, boasts lightning-fast actuation with an all-POM build, providing a thocky sound and feather-light touch. While the Milk Tea offers a balance of presence and subtlety, the Smoothie Silver excels in speed and smoothness. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver switches are both made of POM, which is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. This means that when typing on both switches, you can expect a similar auditory experience with a deep and muted sound. However, if the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of the POM top housing of the Milk Tea and Smoothie Silver switches, they both contribute to the distinct sound profile of the switches. The top housing material is crucial in determining the sound that is produced when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience. While the top housing of both switches may be similar in material, the design and structure may vary, leading to slight differences in sound and feel when using them.
Moving on to the POM bottom housing of the switches, this component plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The quality of the bottom housing material can impact the overall typing experience, providing a stable and satisfying feel when typing on the switches. Despite being made of the same material, slight variations in design and construction of the bottom housing between the Milk Tea and Smoothie Silver switches may result in subtle differences in typing sensation.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have different bottom out forces, with the Milk Tea requiring 43.5 grams to bottom out while the force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown. The Milk Tea provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Smoothie Silver offers a slightly heavier push feel for those looking for a more solid typing experience. In terms of actuation force, the Milk Tea is lighter while the Smoothie Silver is heavier. Both switches offer unique options for users depending on their preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Milk Tea switch slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver switch. The Milk Tea switch may offer a slightly deeper press compared to the Smoothie Silver switch, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch with its slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to users looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched notes with a muted essence, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. While the Milk Tea switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Smoothie Silver's sound characteristics are not specified. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Milk Tea switch leaning towards a sharper sound and the Smoothie Silver focusing on smoothness.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, providing users with a smooth and refined typing experience. The use of Ly for the stem material enhances the ease of every keystroke, ensuring effortless typing. Unfortunately, specific details about the tactile experience of the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch are not provided. However, it is important to note that both switches are linear switches, which typically offer a smooth and consistent keypress without any tactile bump or audible click.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch excels in providing a unique high-pitched yet muted sound profile, along with a polished and silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch is known for its thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. While both switches cater to different preferences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience tailored to their specific needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing dynamics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it's important to think about your typing preferences and needs. If you value a gentle balance between presence and subtlety in sound, along with a light bottom-out force for prolonged typing sessions, then the Milk Tea switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing experience.
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