PH Studio Milk Tea vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in a mechanical keyboard switch. The Milk Tea is known for its high-pitched yet muted sound, designed for prolonged typing sessions with its accessible bottom-out and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tangerine boasts an incredibly smooth feel and a high-pitched clack, thanks to its UHWMPE housings. While both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, the Milk Tea leans towards subtlety and balance, while the Tangerine focuses on smoothness and high-pitched feedback. 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

TKC Tangerine Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$6.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The PH Studio Milk Tea and the TKC Tangerine both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Milk Tea featuring POM top and bottom housings and the Tangerine featuring UHWMPE top and bottom housings. While the Milk Tea's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, the Tangerine's UHWMPE housing offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks when typing. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users of both switches.

In terms of construction, the difference in sound profiles between the Milk Tea and the Tangerine can be attributed to their respective housing materials. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea contributes to its pleasing and unique sound on bottom-out, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine enhances the resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Milk Tea influences the sound when releasing a key, while the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine adds to the bright sound signature. These distinct characteristics make each switch stand out in its own right.

Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Milk Tea and the Tangerine ultimately serve to enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether it's the deeper and more muted sound of the POM housing in the Milk Tea or the brighter and resonant clacks produced by the UHWMPE housing in the Tangerine, both switches offer a unique auditory experience. By understanding how each housing material contributes to the sound profile of the switch, users can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences for typing feel and sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is lighter in both aspects. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Tangerine has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Milk Tea requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Tangerine. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea would be the ideal choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Tangerine provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences, with the Milk Tea offering a lighter typing experience and the Tangerine providing a heavier feel.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, one can see that the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tangerine has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tangerine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. Both travel distances fall within the range of shorter distances, which are preferred by gamers for quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference - whether you prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Milk Tea for quicker responses or the slightly longer travel distance of the Tangerine for a more traditional feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is characterized by a clacky and high-pitched tone, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch offers a similar high-pitched sound, but with a more resonant quality. Both switches can deliver an engaging auditory experience, although the Milk Tea may lean towards a sharper sound compared to the Tangerine. Additionally, factors such as keyboard build and keycap material can influence the overall sound produced by these switches.

In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is revered for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and enhances key travel. Conversely, the TKC Tangerine switch boasts a frictionless and buttery feel, providing an effortless and fluid keystroke sensation. Both switches prioritize a comfortable and responsive typing experience, with the Milk Tea focusing on refined smoothness and the Tangerine emphasizing a seamless and uniform feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for specific tactile qualities.

Considering all available information, the PH Studio Milk Tea and TKC Tangerine linear switches offer distinct but equally appealing features for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Milk Tea excels in a clacky, high-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel, the Tangerine shines with a resonant high-pitched sound and a frictionless, buttery typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile and refined smoothness or a resonant tone and effortless keystrokes, both switches provide quality options for enhancing your typing sessions. Ultimately, experimenting with different switches on various keyboard setups can help you determine which one best suits your preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a lighter bottom-out force and a unique auditory blend that is both high-pitched and muted, the Milk Tea may be the perfect choice for you, especially if you engage in prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother feel and a medium bottom-out force, the Tangerine might be more suited to your preferences, offering an incredibly smooth typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual typing preferences and priorities.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more