PH Studio Milk Tea vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Milk Tea switch is known for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, providing a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. With a light actuation force of 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly, it ensures effortless typing for prolonged sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. If you prefer a gentle tactility while typing, the Duck switch may be the right choice for you. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the SP-Star Duck, we can see a clear distinction in the sound profile each material produces. The Milk Tea's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly affect the overall typing experience for users, with POM offering a more subdued sound and polycarbonate providing a more vibrant and clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Duck's housing allows for RGB lighting, adding an extra visual element to the switch.
Both the top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea and the Duck use the respective materials of POM and polycarbonate, resulting in consistent sound profiles throughout the switch. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea produces a similar sound to its top housing, with both parts contributing to the overall deep and muted sound profile. Similarly, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck complements its top housing by enhancing the sharp and crisp sound profile. This consistency in housing materials ensures a cohesive typing experience for users, as the sound and feel remain uniform across the entire switch.
Despite some similarities in housing materials, the differences in sound profiles between the Milk Tea and the Duck are significant. While both POM and polycarbonate offer unique qualities, such as POM's pleasing sound and polycarbonate's clear and resonant profile, the overall typing experience can vary greatly between the two switches. The impact of the bottom and top housings on the sound and feel of the switches further emphasizes the importance of housing materials in determining user preference. Ultimately, the choice between the Milk Tea and the Duck will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Milk Tea switch is also lighter at 43.5 grams, while the Duck switch has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, which may be preferred by those who like a stronger push feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide different typing experiences, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can see that the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea has a slightly shorter travel distance than the Duck, which may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time. On the other hand, the Duck's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and offer their own unique feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for key response and feel.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 best described as having a high-pitched and clacky sound profile with a hint of marbly resonance. This creates a unique auditory experience that is sharp yet muted, making it suitable for users who prefer a crisp typing sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is clean and crispy, providing a subtle and gentle typing experience. Overall, the Milk Tea switch will give you a more pronounced and higher-pitched sound compared to the Duck switch, which offers a more moderate and neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. This results in a sleek and effortless typing sensation that is ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a mild and buttery feel, giving users a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. Both switches offer a polished typing experience with smooth key travel, but the Milk Tea switch may feel slightly more refined and effortless compared to the Duck switch.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and silky typing experience, perfect for users who prefer a sharper and more refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a neutral and clean sound with a mild and buttery feel, appealing to users who prefer a more subtle and gentle typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, but with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light bottom-out force and a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched sound profile, then the Milk Tea switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force and a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, then the Duck switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer different characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so be sure to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, your typing experience will be greatly influenced by the switch you choose, so consider your preferences carefully before making a selection.
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