PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea, a linear switch, is praised for its high-pitched yet muted sound, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a balance between presence and subtlety during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the T1, a tactile switch, provides a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window. While the Milk Tea is ideal for those with extensive typing needs, the T1 offers a more tactile feel for a satisfying typing experience. 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
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock T1 both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the T1's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to POM. On the other hand, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the T1's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a fuller and rounder sound. These contrasting characteristics highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound of a switch.
Despite their differences, both the POM top housing of the Milk Tea and the polycarbonate top housing of the T1 offer unique advantages. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea creates a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the T1 produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that use RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the sound profile. While the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to a more muted sound, the nylon bottom housing of the T1 enhances sound quality by absorbing more sound, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Durock T1 will depend on personal preference for sound and feel. The split between the top and bottom housings of these switches allows for a combination of qualities in sound production. The impact of the bottom housing will be more noticeable during bottom-out, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound from POM or a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences in typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is evident that they have quite different characteristics. The Milk Tea has a light actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the T1 has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more tactile and substantial feel when typing. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Milk Tea would be the ideal choice, while the T1 would be more suitable for those who appreciate a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel of a switch, catering to different preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Durock T1 tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea switch may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the T1 switch might provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and the 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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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 is described as having a unique blend of a high-pitched and muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch is noted for producing a sound reminiscent of rain falling on a window, with a low-pitched and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Milk Tea providing a sharper and crisper sound compared to the T1's more soothing and mellow tone. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving onto feel, the Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel with reduced friction. In contrast, the Durock T1 tactile switch is noted for its stepped and accented feel, providing a tactile response that is prominent yet not overwhelming or subtle. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Milk Tea focusing on providing a sleek and smooth feel while the T1 offers a distinct stepped tactile feedback that adds a layer of depth to each keystroke.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table when it comes to sound and feel. The Milk Tea offers a balance between high-pitched clarity and muted subtlety in sound, paired with a polished and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the T1 provides a soothing low-pitched sound resembling raindrops on a window, along with a stepped and accented tactile feel for a distinctive typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing style, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a tailored typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience with a gentle balance between sound and subtlety, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch with its 43.5g bottom out force and high-pitched, clacky sound may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is perfect for prolonged typing sessions and offers a polished and silky feel for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium bump and a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Durock T1 tactile switch with its 67g bottom out force may be more suited to your preferences. This switch provides a comfortable typing experience with stepped tactility and a polished finish. Ultimately, your choice between the Milk Tea and T1 switches will depend on your sound and feel preferences, as well as the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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