PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Huano Strawberry Latte both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Milk Tea, with its high-pitched yet muted auditory profile, provides a distinctive typing experience that's both clacky and polished, thanks in part to its Ly stem material that ensures effortless keystrokes. This switch appeals to those who enjoy a bit of auditory presence without overwhelming noise, making it ideal for users who thrive on tactile feedback and sound. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is celebrated for its super-smooth keystrokes, utilizing the latest molds to create a balanced sound profile. Neither too quiet nor excessively resonant, it delivers a satisfying typing experience for those who prioritize smoothness and consistency in their strokes. While both switches cater to enthusiasts of linear designs, their distinct auditory and tactile qualities make them suitable for different typing styles. 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

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Huano Strawberry Latte, we observe intriguing differences that influence the sound and performance of the respective switches. The Milk Tea utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a pleasing, muted, and deeper sound profile. This particular sound quality can be attributed to the unique acoustic properties of POM, which manages to balance permeability and robust sound modulation, resulting in a more satisfying sound when a key is pressed. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a top housing made of POK (polyketone) and a bottom housing made of nylon. The POK material, with its superior durability and a uniquely smooth feel, contributes to a clackier sound. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing enhances the acoustic dampening effect, leading to a deeper and fuller sonic experience.

The contrasting materials also reveal differences in durability and tactile feedback. POK offers a significantly higher wear resistance compared to POM, resulting in a switch that maintains its smooth operation over time. Additionally, the POK's low friction coefficient enhances the tactile feedback upon actuation, making it an ideal choice for users seeking responsiveness in their typing. In terms of durability, the nylon bottom of the Strawberry Latte, while classic and reliable, does not offer the same level of robustness as the POK. The Milk Tea's POM bottom, though similarly resilient, creates a more rounded sound profile due to its inherent properties, further demonstrating how housing materials can vastly influence user experience.

Despite these differences, both switches can achieve a somewhat similar tactile result, albeit through different materials and mechanisms. When the POM top housing of the Milk Tea and the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte are pressed, the user will experience distinct acoustic qualities based on their construction. However, the blending of materials in either switch creates a unique combination of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea thrives in its muted, satisfying tones, the Strawberry Latte brings a lively, clacky experience to the fingertips. Understanding these nuances allows users to tailor their choice of switches according to their sound preferences and typing experience, revealing how distinct yet complementary materials can coexist in the realm of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both offer light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable choices for users who prefer softer keypresses. The Milk Tea switch has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Strawberry Latte switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a marginally heavier bottom out force of 45 grams. Thus, the Strawberry Latte is the lighter overall switch in terms of actuation, but the Milk Tea bottoms out at a lower force. For users who favor a lighter key feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, both switches will deliver a similar experience, although the Strawberry Latte provides a smoother actuation. Ultimately, those preferring a more tactile and solid typing feel may be drawn to the heavier bottom out force of the Strawberry Latte.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is identical, with both switches featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equal travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch. Consequently, you can anticipate a comparable responsiveness and feel when using keyboards that incorporate these switches since the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same for both. Whether opting for the Milk Tea or the Strawberry Latte, the consistency in travel distance ensures a uniform performance across both options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch boasts a distinctive auditory profile characterized by a high-pitched and somewhat clacky tone, combining sharpness with a subtle, muted essence. This quality produces a clean and resonant sound upon each keystroke, which can create an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While the Milk Tea’s sound is more pronounced, the Strawberry Latte’s auditory characteristics are designed for those who prefer a more moderate sound presence. Overall, while both switches exhibit unique sound qualities, the Milk Tea is more inclined towards a brighter, crisper sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte maintains a softer, more balanced auditory signature.

When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Milk Tea presents a notably polished and silky typing experience, attributed to the quality of the materials used and potentially due to factory lubing. This ensures that each keypress is smooth and refined, allowing for minimal friction and a sleek sensation during typing. In contrast, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte is unknown, which leaves an essential gap in the comparison. However, the Milk Tea’s emphasis on a smooth, polished finish sets a high standard for seamless key travel, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing touch sensation in their typing experience.

In summary, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out with its high-pitched, clacky sound and exceptionally smooth feel, providing a refined typing experience. Conversely, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch showcases a more balanced sound profile, its tactile characteristics remain unverified. Ultimately, those who favor the bright, resonant qualities of the Milk Tea will find it to be a compelling choice, whereas the Strawberry Latte may attract users looking for less pronounced auditory feedback. Regardless of the switch selected, users can expect satisfying outcomes; however, those seeking a polished tactile experience will likely gravitate towards the Milk Tea for its well-defined qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch depends greatly on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a lighter touch with a somewhat unique auditory signature, the Milk Tea switch may be your best option. With its high-pitched, clacky sound and polished, silky feel, it offers a delightful typing experience ideal for those who enjoy a more expressive and dynamic acoustic without overwhelming noise. Additionally, its effortless key travel makes it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming where quick input is crucial. On the other hand, if you seek a balance of smoothness and reliability with a sound profile that won't dominate your environment, the Strawberry Latte switch is an excellent choice. Although slightly heavier with a similar light bottom out force, it thrives with its smooth operation and a more grounded sound without being too quiet or too noisy. Ultimately, if you desire a subtle yet engaging experience, the Strawberry Latte will serve you well, while the Milk Tea will cater to those who enjoy characters in auditory feedback alongside a silky touch.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more