PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Bsun Taichi can significantly impact your typing experience. The Milk Tea switch is celebrated for its unique auditory profile, combining a high-pitched yet muted sound that strikes a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Its Ly stem material contributes to a remarkably effortless keystroke, making it a great option for users seeking a smooth and polished typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch offers an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound along with enhanced smoothness and stability, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a satisfying auditory feedback combined with excellent performance. While both switches are linear and provide a quieter experience compared to tactile or clicky options, they each present distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and use cases. 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

Bsun Taichi Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Bsun Taichi, we see distinct yet complementary attributes brought forth by their respective choices of materials. The Milk Tea features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which delivers a deeper and more muted sound profile, creating a unique auditory experience that appeals to those who prefer a softer touch with less resonance. In contrast, the Taichi employs a polycarbonate (PC) top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The properties of polycarbonate—primarily its stiffer composition—allow for a clearer and more resonant output, especially noticeable when the switch is released. Therefore, while both switches aim to create a pleasant sound profile, the Milk Tea leans towards warmth and richness, while the Taichi produces clarity and brightness.

Examining the bottom housings reveals further differences yet also shared characteristics between the two models. The Milk Tea’s POM bottom housing mirrors the qualities found in its top housing, contributing to its muted sound profile; it provides a consistent depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Taichi utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder alternatives. This characteristic results in a fuller and deeper bottom-out sound, adding a degree of sonic softness that contrasts with the crispness of its polycarbonate top. Together, while each switch features different materials, they both emphasize the relationship between housing materials and sound profiles, showcasing how diverse inputs can work towards achieving innovative auditory results.

Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Milk Tea and Taichi shapes the typing experience and sound in distinctive ways, while still serving to fulfill their design intentions. With varying engagements from POM and nylon in the Milk Tea’s bottom housing contrasting with the clearer resonance of the Taichi’s polycarbonate top housing, users can expect different aural qualities during typing. However, the critical interplay between top and bottom housing materials suggests that a switch designer can manipulate sound profiles even further by considering how these materials interact. As such, selecting the right combination of materials—and understanding their layered effects—can lead to surprisingly similar results in user experience, despite the visible differences in the housing offerings of each switch.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we can see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, perfect for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel when typing. As for the bottom out forces, the Milk Tea switch exhibits a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, which indicates that it provides a tactile feedback when pressed all the way down. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unavailable, complicating a direct comparison in this regard. Overall, the Milk Tea is the lighter option, while the Taichi offers a heavier actuation, appealing to different typing preferences. If we had the bottom out force for the Taichi, we could gain a fuller understanding of how the two switches compare in terms of overall feel.

Travel distance

The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either of these switches, as both require the same distance for activation. Therefore, those looking for a consistent feel across their keyboard can choose either switch without concern for differences in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the auditory qualities of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Milk Tea offers a distinctive high-pitched sound that is both clacky and resonant. Its sound can be characterized as sharp and crisp, blending a percussive sharpness with a muted essence that creates an elegant auditory experience. This balance makes it appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a more refined sound profile. The Taichi switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound; however, specific descriptors for its sound profile have not been provided. Nevertheless, the emphasis on a long-pole stem and extended springs suggests it may deliver a smooth yet pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, while the Milk Tea switch offers a well-defined sound profile, the Taichi's characteristics remain less clearly delineated.

In terms of tactile feel, the Milk Tea switch excels with descriptors like polished and silky, both indicating an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The combination of high-quality materials, possibly enhanced by factory lubing, results in reduced friction and an overall seamless key travel. The tactile sensation when pressing these switches is refined and pleasurable, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions. There is no available data on the tactile feel of the Taichi switch, leaving its performance in this aspect unknown. Thus, while one can expect an exemplary typing feel from the Milk Tea, the Taichi switch's tactile qualities remain a mystery.

In conclusion, while both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch share the characteristic of high-pitched sound, the Milk Tea provides a more elaborated auditory experience alongside its silky and polished feel. Meanwhile, the sound profile and tactile feedback of the Taichi switch are less defined, making it difficult to ascertain how it compares in those areas. Overall, selecting a switch will depend greatly on individual preferences for sound and feel; the Milk Tea certainly stands out for its known qualities, while the Taichi could hold unexpected characteristics that might appeal to users looking for something different.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch should depend on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you enjoy a lighter tactile feel, the Milk Tea switch with its bottom out force of 43.5 grams will provide a comfortable experience, especially during long typing sessions. The clacky and high-pitched sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate a more resonant and immersive typing experience. Additionally, the polished and silky feel of the Milk Tea makes each keystroke satisfyingly smooth, perfect for both gaming and productive work. Conversely, if you prioritize unparalleled smoothness and stability, and find delight in the enchanting auditory experience of long-pole designs, the Taichi switch may be more suitable for you. While specific force measurements aren't provided, the Taichi's unique construction promises a dreamy typing environment with its distinctive high-pitched sound, which could be a pleasurable match for your preferences. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, sound preference, and the overall experience you want to cultivate with your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more