PH Studio Milk Tea vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Twilight both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience, yet they differ significantly in auditory and tactile feedback. The PH Studio Milk Tea, crafted by BSUN, is renowned for its unique sound profile—a high-pitched yet muted auditory experience that blends clacky charm with subtlety, making it perfect for users who appreciate a refined keystroke without overwhelming noise. Its Ly stem material contributes to a silky and polished feel, ensuring each press requires minimal effort and resulting in a marbly sensation that appeals to those who prioritize comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features an extended 3.85mm travel distance, offering a slightly quieter operation while still exhibiting the characteristic clacky feel for which HMX switches are celebrated. This makes the Twilight an appealing choice for gamers and typists alike who prefer a bit more travel without sacrificing feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37.5g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.85 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Twilight switches offer intriguing comparisons, as both utilize types of plastic that significantly influence the acoustics and overall typing experience. The Milk Tea switches feature POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sound profile described as pleasing and unique, with a deeper and more muted acoustic signature. In contrast, the Twilight switches adopt a nylon material for both the top and bottom housings, which is known for rendering a fuller, deeper sound thanks to its softer nature. While both materials are geared toward producing a rich auditory experience, POM’s focus on a more muted tone contrasts with nylon’s capability for absorbing sound and creating a rounder acoustic profile.
Despite the differences in material composition, both the Milk Tea and Twilight switches share a commonalities in terms of sound characteristics. For instance, both POM and nylon facilitate deeper sound profiles that could cater to users seeking a less sharp typing experience. The Milk Tea's POM housing provides a distinct auditory delight, while the Twilight's nylon contributes to that same rich depth but with a slightly different texture due to its sound-absorbing properties. This suggests that while the materials are distinct, they can elicit similar enjoyable results for users who prefer a more subdued acoustic backdrop when typing.
The nuances of how these housing materials impact the overall typing experience further illustrate their roles. In switches where the top and bottom materials differ, the typist will feel the effects of the bottom housing more acutely, particularly during bottom-out moments. Conversely, the top housing will echo its material qualities during the release of a key. Therefore, even though the Milk Tea and Twilight utilize different plastics, they harmonize in their deeper sound effects. Users seeking a full-bodied auditory experience with a muted edge can find satisfaction in either option, as both offer appealing outcomes through their individual characteristics while still converging on similar sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, it's clear that both switches are relatively light in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Twilight switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as heavier than the Milk Tea. This difference means that users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Milk Tea, which requirements less pressure to actuate. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might find the Twilight's heavier forces more satisfying. Overall, while both switches facilitate a comfortable typing experience, the Milk Tea provides a lighter option, whereas the Twilight offers a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, we see a notable difference between the two. The Milk Tea switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Twilight switch measures 3.85 mm. This makes the Milk Tea the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced distance. On the other hand, the Twilight switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on personal preference: those favoring responsiveness should lean towards the Milk Tea, while those who enjoy a substantial depth might gravitate towards the Twilight.
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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 has a distinctive auditory profile that combines a high-pitched resonance with a muted quality, resulting in a gentle but present sound signature. This switch exhibits clacky, marbly, and resonant characteristics, making each keystroke sharp yet refined, akin to the sound of striking a solid surface. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch is noted for its extended travel distance of 3.85mm, which translates into a slightly quieter auditory experience while still retaining some clacky properties typical of HMX switches. However, the specific sound profile of the Twilight is less elaborated upon, leaving an opportunity for individual auditory exploration and personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch excels with descriptors such as polished and silky, indicating a remarkably smooth and refined typing experience. The use of Ly for the stem material contributes to this ease of use, resulting in a typing feedback that is effortless and fluid. Unfortunately, there are no details available regarding the feel of the HMX Twilight linear switch, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. The absence of this information leaves a gap for prospective users to explore how the Twilight may feel in practice.
In summary, while the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its high-pitched, clacky sound and its exceptionally smooth, polished feel, the HMX Twilight linear switch presents a more muted auditory experience alongside an extended travel distance. Without specific information on the Twilight's feel, it's hard to compare these switches directly, but both offer unique experiences that would appeal to different preferences in the world of mechanical keyboards. If you're considering either, expect similar outcomes in terms of sound quality, but the Milk Tea's tactile experience certainly shines brighter with its documented smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a typing experience that is both effortless and smooth, the Milk Tea is an excellent choice. Its 43.5-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for intense typing sessions, while its high-pitched and marbly sound profile lends an engaging auditory element to your keystrokes. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of character in their switch without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you're looking for a slightly more substantial feel with a bit of auditory presence, the HMX Twilight, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and extended travel distance, provides a quieter typing experience while still delivering a satisfying clackiness that adheres to the HMX lineage. The Twilight would be preferable for tasks requiring focused work or for environments where noise can be an issue. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you prioritize a light, effortless touch with a unique sound or a more grounded experience with subtle clackiness.
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