PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the PH Studio Milk Tea and Gazzew U4Tx RGB stand out as distinct options appealing to different typing preferences. The Milk Tea linear switch, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its unique auditory experience, merging a high-pitched clack with a subtle muted quality that ensures each keystroke feels smooth and effortless, thanks in part to its Ly stem material. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a responsive feel without compromising on sound, making it a fantastic choice for gamers and typists who value speed and quiet operation. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB offers a tactile switch experience, characterized by a deep "thock" sound upon bottoming out, paired with a soft and stealthy topping-out sensation. This rich sound profile, combined with its pronounced tactile bump, provides a luxurious typing experience that many find satisfying for both typing and casual use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switches, it's apparent that both options prioritize a rich sound profile, but they utilize different materials to achieve it. The Milk Tea's housing is made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), known for its durability and acoustic characteristics. This material produces a deeper, more muted sound, enhancing the tactile experience, especially when bottoming out. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB switch features a proprietary plastic blend, often referred to as "boba plastic." This blend is designed for softness and aims to achieve a similarly rich and deep sound profile. Thus, while each switch uses distinct materials, they both enhance the auditory experience, albeit through different acoustic properties.

One key distinction is observed in how these materials influence the sound profile of each switch during key presses. The POM material in the Milk Tea switch contributes to a sound that is described as incredibly pleasing and unique, emphasizing a more muted tone. The top housing of the U4Tx RGB, utilizing the softer “boba plastic,” similarly seeks to create a deep sound profile, but it likely provides a slightly different acoustic response due to its unique blend. Both switches are engineered to create a well-rounded sound experience, with the top housing playing a significant role when the key is released. This means that although the materials vary, the intention behind them remains aligned—creating satisfying auditory feedback.

Furthermore, the impact of the bottom housing on the overall switching experience cannot be overlooked. The Milk Tea's POM bottom housing continues to produce a pleasing sound experience with its muted characteristics, while the Gazzew U4Tx RGB's soft bottom housing ensures impactful bottom-out feedback. Ultimately, if one were to combine these two types of switches, maintaining a balance between POM and "boba plastic" could yield similar aural results. This shared intent of creating a rich sound profile ensures that even with different materials, both switch designs can deliver a satisfying typing experience.

Weight

The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Milk Tea switch features a light actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB switch has an unknown actuation force but boasts a notably heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which appeals to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. With its lighter actuation and bottom out characteristics, the Milk Tea switch allows for easier presses, while the U4Tx RGB provides a firmer resistance, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards a lighter switch that facilitates prolonged use, the Milk Tea is the way to go; conversely, if you're after a stronger tactile feedback and a more pronounced typing experience, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would be a suitable choice.

Travel distance

Both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable keypress experience in terms of the distance the switch travels when pressed down on. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will provide similar tactile feedback and depth of actuation, making them equally suited for those looking for a consistent feel across their keyboard.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the auditory qualities of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, the Milk Tea switch offers a unique sound profile characterized by its fairly high-pitched tone that remains muted and balanced. This creates an auditory experience that is both present and subtle, making it suitable for users seeking a less intrusive sound. The clacky, marbly, and resonant descriptors emphasize a clear, sharp, and slightly percussive output, which can make for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB's acoustic characteristics aren't fully detailed, leaving room for curiosity about how it compares to the Milk Tea. The reliance on the "thock" from its bottoming out may suggest a deeper, more pronounced sound that contrasts with the Milk Tea's high-pitched quality. However, without specific descriptors for the U4Tx RGB, it's challenging to draw a direct comparison.

In terms of tactile feel, the Milk Tea switches are noted for their polished and silky characteristics, delivering a refined and exceptionally smooth typing experience. This suggests that users will enjoy reduced friction and a smooth key travel that enhances overall comfort during extended typing sessions. The silky feel further implies that keystrokes will glide effortlessly, contributing to a pleasurable experience. Conversely, the U4Tx RGB's feel characteristics are not described, leaving an unknown for enthusiasts who may prefer the tactile feedback associated with switches. Nevertheless, the sharp tactile bump mentioned in its qualities could imply a different kind of engagement with the keyboard, possibly enhancing the user's typing experience in a way that is distinctly different from the effortlessly smooth experience offered by the Milk Tea.

In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch presents a nuanced auditory profile defined by its high-pitched, clacky, and polished feel, appealing to those who favor smooth and subtle keystrokes. The Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch introduces an interesting auditory experience with a deep "thock" sound and a prominent tactile bump, yet its full character in sound and feel remains partially undefined. While the Milk Tea provides a cohesive and refined typing experience, the U4Tx RGB may offer a contrasting tactile engagement. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as they cater to different typing experiences within the mechanical keyboard landscape.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light keypress with a soft auditory presence and a smooth, polished feel, the Milk Tea switch is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force of 43.5 grams allows for quick and effortless typing, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who value speed over tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience paired with a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, the U4Tx RGB would be the way to go. Its deep "thock" sound creates a luxurious auditory experience, perfect for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes without sacrificing a quiet environment. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and sound preferences—whether you lean towards the gentle subtleties of the Milk Tea or the robust tactile engagement of the U4Tx RGB.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more