PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The Milk Tea switch, known for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, offers a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch boasts a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying typing experience with a bouncy feel. While the Milk Tea switch is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'High-pitched', the Tourmaline Blue switch is labeled as 'Buttery' and 'Easy-to-press'. If you're looking for a switch tailored to extensive typing needs, the Milk Tea switch might be the perfect choice for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a switch with a satisfying tactile feedback and a standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be the better option. 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
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both play a significant role in the sound profile of the switches. The Milk Tea features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housings. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting for a visually appealing effect.
While the Milk Tea and the Tourmaline Blue both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of their impact on switch performance. The POM housings of the Milk Tea create a consistent and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate housings of the Tourmaline Blue deliver a clear and resonant sound. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater effect on the sound when the key is released. This distinction suggests that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. Both the Milk Tea and the Tourmaline Blue offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in delivering a satisfying typing experience. Regardless of the differences, both switches are designed to provide a pleasant and efficient typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea has a lighter touch compared to the Tourmaline Blue. The Milk Tea requires an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is heavier, with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial and pronounced typing feel. While the Milk Tea offers a more effortless typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue caters to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the Milk Tea being lighter and the Tourmaline Blue being medium-heavy in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Milk Tea switch provides a quicker response time, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being slightly shorter than the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for key travel depth and responsiveness.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 Milk Tea linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, providing a crisp and sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so selecting the one that best suits your auditory preferences is crucial for a satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Milk Tea linear switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for a sleek typing feel. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a buttery and easy-to-press sensation, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches deliver a smooth typing experience, catering to users who prioritize tactile feedback and comfort during prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch each offer distinct sound and feel qualities that appeal to different preferences. Whether you prefer a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and silky feel, or a neutral sound with a buttery and easy-to-press sensation, both switches provide a unique typing experience tailored to individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Milk Tea and Tourmaline Blue switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, ensuring a customized and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a light switch with a unique auditory blend that is ideal for prolonged typing sessions, the Milk Tea may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a deep and thocky sound profile that offers a bouncy feel, the Tourmaline Blue could be the better option. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to help guide your decision based on what suits your preferences best. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.
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