PH Studio Milk Tea vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Sunset Gleam both present enticing qualities as linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its distinctive auditory profile—a high-pitched, clacky sound combined with a muted essence, creating a unique balance that is both polished and silky. Its Ly stem material contributes to a smoothly effortless keystroke that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, colloquially known as the Duck Duck switch, shines with its premium materials that offer a subtle top-out accompanied by a satisfying clack. Thanks to HMX's renowned factory lubrication, users can expect a smooth typing experience enhanced by just the right amount of feedback. While the Milk Tea leans towards a more resonant and high-pitched experience, the Sunset Gleam promises a subtler yet satisfying sound profile. However, let’s dive 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
42g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and HMX Sunset Gleam, it's evident that they employ different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Milk Tea utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam opts for polycarbonate, which is characterized by a sharper and crisper sound. This divergence in material leads to distinct acoustic experiences: the Milk Tea is geared towards those who appreciate a warmer, richer tone, while the Sunset Gleam caters to users desiring clarity and brightness in their keystrokes, especially when enhanced by RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucent nature.
Examining the bottom housings further highlights the contrasting auditory characteristics between the two switches. Both the Milk Tea and the Sunset Gleam utilize different materials, with POM being employed in the Milk Tea for a more muted and pleasing sound, while the Sunset Gleam features nylon, a classic choice that produces a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder tone, whereas POM maintains a similar muted quality. This difference emphasizes that while both switches can offer enjoyable acoustics, their materials will dictate how pronounced or subdued the bottom-out sound feels during typing.
Ultimately, despite the differences in material composition between the PH Studio Milk Tea and HMX Sunset Gleam, users can achieve similar overall sound profiles by considering the interplay of both top and bottom housings. The POM in the Milk Tea may yield a deeper auditory experience when combined with its POM bottom housing, while the nylon in the Sunset Gleam produces a fuller sound. If a user desires to balance the sound characteristics, mixing and matching the switches can help customize their typing experience, utilizing the combined qualities of each housing material to cater to personal preferences. Thus, the distinct features of each housing material can work together harmoniously, providing flexibility and personalization within the realm of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we can see some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a good option for users seeking ease in prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch with less resistance, the Milk Tea is the better choice, while the Sunset Gleam offers a heftier option for those who enjoy more tactile feedback. Overall, their differing actuation and bottom out forces provide users with options based on their individual preferences for switch weight and tactile sensation.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Milk Tea switch provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which can be appealing for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for fast-paced actions. Both switches fall within the trend of shorter travel distances that have gained popularity lately, but if you’re looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced depth, the Milk Tea is the better option, while those who favor snappier feedback might opt for the Sunset Gleam.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 boasts a fairly high-pitched sound that remains muted, striking a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. It offers a clacky auditory profile, characterized by a crisp and bright sound that can be likened to a percussive tapping, resembling the resonant quality often described as 'marbly'. This makes it a great choice for those who prefer a more dynamic and pronounced typing experience without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam's sound profile is not detailed, leaving its auditory qualities unknown. However, given the general emphasis on a subtle top-out and satisfying clack mentioned, one might expect it to produce an agreeable and pleasing sound, albeit potentially less pronounced than the Milk Tea.
When considering the feel, the Milk Tea switch shines with its polished and silky attributes. The manufacturing process, including the use of high-quality materials like Ly for the stem and effective factory lubrication, results in a remarkably smooth keystroke with minimal friction. This contributes to an effortless typing experience, making each press feel refined and smooth. Conversely, the feel characteristics of the Sunset Gleam are not specified, leaving a gap in information about how it compares. Nevertheless, the reputation of HMX switches often hints at a focus on quality, suggesting that it may offer a similarly pleasant tactile experience.
In summary, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is distinguished by its high-pitched, clacky, and marbly sound along with an exceptionally polished and silky feel, making it an enticing option for those seeking a dynamic auditory experience coupled with a smooth typing surface. The HMX Sunset Gleam, while lacking specific sound and feel details, hints at a refined auditory experience with subtlety and quality that may align with the standards of the Milk Tea. Overall, while both switches present unique qualities, the Milk Tea’s precise characteristics allow for a more defined choice, while the Sunset Gleam remains an appealing option that warrants further exploration once more details become available.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences for typing sound and feel. If you lean towards a lighter, more effortless typing experience combined with a unique auditory profile, the Milk Tea switch may be the right fit for you. Its high-pitched, resonant sound and polished, silky feel make it ideal for those who appreciate a gentle yet present auditory feedback while typing, perfect for extended use or a more casual environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that maintains a slightly heavier bottom-out force and offers a touch of satisfying clack along with the smoothness that HMX switches are known for, the Sunset Gleam will likely serve you better. Its subtle sound and excellent factory lube contribute to a consistent and satisfying experience, making it a great choice for both gaming and typing sessions where you want to enjoy a reliable and engaging tactile sensation. Both switches cater to different vibes and typing needs, so selecting one will hinge on whether you prioritize auditory nuances or a more solid feel with a satisfying sound profile.
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