PH Studio Milk Tea vs. HMX SU

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX SU present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches, each with its own unique characteristics. The Milk Tea, manufactured by BSUN, stands out with its clacky and high-pitched auditory profile that still maintains a muted essence, offering a harmonious blend that caters to those who appreciate a lively yet subtly balanced sound with their typing experience. Its Ly stem material enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize ease of typing while enjoying an expressive auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX SU switches feature a robust PA12 housing and a T5 stem, which deliver a deeper, more subtle sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a more understated auditory experience without sacrificing performance. While the Milk Tea offers a unique auditory flair and a silky feel, the HMX SU presents a solid, subdued option for those who value durability and a more traditional typing sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

HMX SU Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The PH Studio Milk Tea and HMX SU switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Milk Tea utilizes POM (polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, while the HMX SU employs nylon for the same. POM is known for producing a unique sound, characterized by a deeper and relatively muted tone. In contrast, nylon's acoustic properties allow it to create a fuller sound profile that is similarly deep but exhibits a somewhat rounder quality due to its relatively softer nature that absorbs sound more effectively. This fundamental difference in housing materials shapes the auditory experience between the two switches.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the POM in the Milk Tea switch again produces that rich, muted sound consistent with its brand design. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the HMX SU contributes to its duller sound profile, as nylon’s softer plastic is adept at absorbing vibrations. Consequently, this divergence in materials may lead to differences in the perceived impact of bottom-out sound and feel when typing. For the Milk Tea, the POM's inherent characteristics yield a sound that reinforces its muted and pleasing experience, whereas the nylon of the HMX SU rounds it out, creating a different but equally appealing auditory encounter.

Despite the differences in materials, the overall typing experience can still yield comparable results in terms of sound profile. If the Milk Tea and HMX SU switches were to be used side by side, one might find that the deeper sound quality from both switches remains consistent, albeit with unique acoustics due to their individual housing materials. As the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out feel and sound, users might experience a different sensation when pressing each switch, with the Milk Tea's POM providing a firmer response while the HMX SU's nylon may feel softer. Ultimately, while the materials and their respective properties differ, both switches are engineered to deliver satisfying and enjoyable feedback for the user.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, there are distinct differences in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the SU switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel with each keystroke. While both switches feature relatively light forces, the Milk Tea is the lighter option overall. Users looking for distinct typing experiences can choose based on these differences—lighter forces for comfort over extended use or heavier forces for a more pronounced tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch is identical at 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom of the switch. Since the travel distances are equal, users can expect a similar feel and actuation between the two switches, providing consistency in performance regardless of the choice made between the Milk Tea and SU models.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch delivers a unique auditory experience characterized by a fairly high-pitched, clacky tone that is both crisp and bright. This gives it a lively presence while simultaneously retaining a muted quality that avoids being overpowering, making it pleasant for long typing sessions. The sound profile is further described as marbly and resonant, which imparts an immersive auditory experience that can be quite engaging. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has an undefined sound profile, leaving its auditory characteristics unknown. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound produced by both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap materials used in conjunction with them.

In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch stands out with a refined and polished experience, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and likely factory lubing, which results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The silky nature of the switch further enhances the typing experience, allowing for minimal resistance during keystrokes. Unfortunately, the HMX SU linear switch lacks any available descriptive qualities regarding its feel, making it challenging to compare directly.

In summary, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a high-pitched sound and a luxurious, polished feel, creating an enjoyable typing experience filled with auditory and tactile appeal. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch lacks specific characteristics in sound and feel, which leaves room for exploration; however, both switches could potentially provide satisfying results depending on the user's preferences and the keyboard setup. Ultimately, potential users should consider their personal priorities when selecting a switch, as the Milk Tea’s established qualities contrast with the ambiguous offerings of the SU.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, consider your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you value a lighter keypress and enjoy a typing experience characterized by a high-pitched, clacky sound with a polished, silky finish, then the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its unique auditory blend and ease of use make it great for both casual typing and gaming, especially if you prefer a more expressive auditory feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you lean towards a switch that provides a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a subtle, deeper sound profile, you might appreciate the HMX SU linear switch. With its full PA12 housing and T5 stem design, it offers a more balanced auditory experience that can be pleasant for minimalist setups or professional environments where abrupt sounds might be distracting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired typing experience, whether it's the bright and snappy nature of the Milk Tea or the subdued comfort of the HMX SU.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

HMX SU Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more