PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Milk Tea switch offers a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate a subtle auditory experience while typing. With a light bottom-out force and a stem material that enhances typing ease, the Milk Tea switch is perfect for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the U4Tx switch provides a blend of deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, combined with a whisper-quiet topping out sound. The sharp tactile bump ensures a luxurious typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37.5g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gazzew U4Tx both offer unique sound profiles, with the Milk Tea featuring POM top and bottom housings and the Gazzew U4Tx boasting a proprietary Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housings. Both materials create a pleasing and deep sound, with the Milk Tea's POM housings producing a relatively more muted sound compared to the U4Tx's "boba plastic" blend, which delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both housings provide a deep sound profile, the difference in the levels of mutedness and richness in sound may appeal to different preferences.
In terms of the impact on the overall feel and sound of the switch, the housing materials play a significant role in determining the characteristics of the key press experience. The bottom housing of a switch has a more pronounced effect on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the U4Tx both contribute to the overall sound profile when a key is pressed down, providing a unique tactile experience for users.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Milk Tea and the U4Tx, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and unique typing experience for enthusiasts. While the Milk Tea's POM top and bottom housings offer a more muted sound profile, the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings deliver a rich and deep sound due to its softness. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and key press feel, with both options promising an enjoyable and tactile typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Similarly, the Milk Tea has a lighter bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the U4Tx would appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a heavier push. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming purposes. Overall, selecting either option would provide a satisfying typing experience, depending on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch are exactly the same, both measuring at 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users can expect to travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, regardless of which switch is chosen, both will provide a consistent and uniform experience in terms of travel distance. This makes them ideal choices for users who prioritize having a specific travel distance in their keyboard switches.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is best characterized as high-pitched and somewhat clacky, providing a sharp and crisp sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a deeper and richer bassy sound profile, with a quieter and more muted tone overall. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the brighter, higher-pitched sound of the Milk Tea or the deeper, more subdued sound of the U4Tx.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish that enhances overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch provides a sharp tactile bump with intense feedback, ensuring a distinct and satisfying tactile experience with each keystroke. Depending on whether a smoother or more pronounced tactile feedback is preferred, users can opt for the polished feel of the Milk Tea or the sharp feedback of the U4Tx.
Considering these subjective qualities of sound and feel, users looking for a linear switch with a bright and sharp sound may opt for the PH Studio Milk Tea, while those seeking a tactile switch with a deeper, more pronounced sound and sharp tactile feedback may lean towards the Gazzew U4Tx. Both switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light typing experience with a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force with a mix of deep "thock" and whisper-quiet topping out sound, coupled with a sharp tactile bump for satisfying feedback, the U4Tx switch may be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
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