PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, it's clear that each offers unique qualities for different preferences. The Milk Tea boasts a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it a gentle option for those who prefer a balanced auditory experience. With a light 43.5g bottom-out force and a stem material designed for ease of use, the Milk Tea is perfect for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks. While the Milk Tea is ideal for those who value a polished and effortless keystroke, the Taro switch offers a buttery feel with a snappy tactile response. 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jwick Taro offer distinct sound profiles based on the materials used. The Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, adding a unique auditory experience for users. In contrast, the Taro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, providing a crisper typing experience. Despite their differences, both materials offer pleasing sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Milk Tea features a POM bottom housing which contributes to its deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound, creating a different typing experience. The choice of bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound profile of the switch, with POM and nylon providing distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it is evident that each material contributes to a unique sound profile. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea and Taro, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are clear differences in weight. The Milk Tea has a light actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Taro has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. The actuation force of the Taro is unknown, but it is likely heavier than the Milk Tea due to the higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Milk Tea would be the better option as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Taro would provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter side of the spectrum, making them ideal for gamers looking for fast response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as both distances are relatively close. Ultimately, choosing between the Milk Tea and Taro switches will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique blend of high-pitched and muted tones, creating a gentle yet present auditory experience. The switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is noted for its cozy typing experience, with a snappy and medium-level of tactility resulting in acute and crisp clacks. The Taro switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes. Overall, while the Milk Tea switch leans towards a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Taro switch provides a more moderate and versatile auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is praised for its polished and silky sensation. The switch is designed to offer a smooth and refined typing experience, featuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as buttery and stepped, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a mild tactile feel. The stepped nature of the Taro switch offers a nuanced typing sensation with distinct stages of travel. While the Milk Tea switch focuses on delivering a sleek and refined typing feel, the Taro switch emphasizes a buttery and uniform sensation with a slight tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer contrasting yet appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a polished and silky typing experience, suited for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Taro switch offers a cozy typing experience with a moderate sound profile and a buttery, stepped feel for a smooth and fluid keystroke. Both switches are designed to cater to different preferences and typing needs, ensuring that users can find a switch that matches their desired auditory and tactile experience in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound with a polished and silky feel, the Milk Tea linear switch may be the best option for you, especially if you engage in prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a neutral sound profile with a buttery and stepped feel, the Taro tactile switch could be the better choice for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most—whether it be the crispness and lightness of the Milk Tea or the medium heaviness and coziness of the Taro.
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