PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, you're faced with two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch offers a unique auditory blend with a high-pitched yet muted sound, making it a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Designed for prolonged typing sessions with its 43.5g bottom-out force and effortless keystrokes, it's an ideal choice for those who require a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the U4T switch embodies thockiness and sharp tactility, providing a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback for auditory and tactile satisfaction. While these general pointers may help you decide, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these descriptions to help you make the best decision for your specific needs and preferences.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gazzew U4T, both switches feature unique and proprietary materials that contribute to a rich and deep sound profile. The Milk Tea utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a pleasing sound that is relatively more muted and on the deeper side. Similarly, the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, referred to as "boba plastic," also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Both switches offer users a satisfying auditory experience with their top housing materials.

On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housing materials, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing continues to provide an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and more muted. This is similar to the U4T's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, also known as "boba plastic," which contributes to a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. The bottom housings of both switches offer users a consistent sound and feel that complements the top housing materials, resulting in a well-rounded tactile experience with each keystroke.

While both switches showcase distinct top and bottom housing materials, they ultimately work together to provide a satisfying typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Although the specific materials vary between the Milk Tea and the U4T, users can expect a similar level of quality and depth in sound from both switches due to their unique housing materials. In the end, whether opting for the Milk Tea or the Gazzew U4T, users can enjoy a premium typing experience with the sound profiles created by their respective housing materials.

Weight

The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Milk Tea is 43.5 grams, still lighter than the U4T's 65 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch offers a lighter typing experience overall, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods of time. In contrast, the U4T switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who prefer either a lighter or heavier push feel for typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch fall within the realm of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea coming in at 3.6mm and the U4T at 4mm. While the Milk Tea offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking a quicker response time, the U4T provides a bit more depth for a more satisfying key press experience. Gamers may lean towards the Milk Tea for its speed, while typists who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback may prefer the U4T. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out for its unique auditory blend, providing a high-pitched yet muted sound profile that strikes a delicate balance between presence and subtlety. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offers a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility, resulting in a deep, bassy 'thock' sound profile accompanied by assertive tactile feedback. When it comes to sound, those who prefer a crisper, high-pitched sound may lean towards the Milk Tea, while fans of a deeper, more resonant sound may find the U4T more to their liking.

Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is designed with a polished and silky typing experience in mind, offering a smooth and refined finish for effortless key travel. On the other hand, the U4T switch provides a sharp tactile bump that delivers high feedback intensity, allowing for a distinct tactile experience with each keypress. If you prefer switches with a smoother and more refined feel, the Milk Tea may be your top choice, while the U4T caters to those seeking a sharp and crisp tactile feedback.

Considering both subjective qualities, the Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique auditory blend that suits individuals looking for a high-pitched, yet muted sound profile, coupled with a polished and silky typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch excels in providing a deep, bassy 'thock' sound profile with sharp tactile feedback for a distinct typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel. Fortunately, both switches offer quality options for those seeking a tailored typing experience.

Conclusion

To summarize, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and silky typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bassy thocky sound with a sharp tactile feedback, the U4T could be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, take into account the bottom out force of each switch, with the Milk Tea being lighter at 43.5 grams and the U4T being medium-heavy at 65 grams. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual typing style and what features you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more