PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch present intriguing options to consider. The Milk Tea switch, with its unique high-pitched yet muted sound, is perfect for those who prefer a gentle balance between presence and subtlety during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile. While the Milk Tea switch is ideal for those with extensive typing needs, the Viola Tricolor switch strikes a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, one can see a clear difference in the sound profiles they produce. The Milk Tea's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate and nylon housing result in a sharper and crisper sound. The use of POM in the Milk Tea provides a unique sound experience that is distinct from the higher-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate housing of the Viola Tricolor. Additionally, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor contributes to a deeper and fuller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea.
Despite their differences, both the Milk Tea and the Viola Tricolor offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The use of POM in the Milk Tea creates a pleasing sound that is relatively more muted, while the polycarbonate housing of the Viola Tricolor produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics. Whether you prefer the deeper sound of the POM housing or the sharper sound of the polycarbonate housing, both switches offer high-quality construction and performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Haimu Viola Tricolor will depend on your personal preference for sound profiles. The POM housing of the Milk Tea creates a unique and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate and nylon housings of the Viola Tricolor produce a sharper and deeper sound profile. Both switches offer a high level of quality and performance, so it ultimately comes down to whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound. Regardless of your choice, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Milk Tea also has a lighter bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Milk Tea will provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother and faster typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor will offer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Milk Tea is the shorter option, which may appeal to those who prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for individuals who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 offers a high-pitched and somewhat muted auditory experience thanks to its unique composition. The Viola Tricolor, on the other hand, provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing sessions without being overly tactile. While the Milk Tea leans towards a high-pitched and clacky sound, the Viola Tricolor presents a deeper and bassy tone. Depending on the user's preference for sound, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Milk Tea offering a cleaner and sharper sound, while the Viola Tricolor provides a richer and fuller tone.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch boasts a polished and silky typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch is described as accented and invigorating, offering a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Both switches provide a tactile feedback that enhances the typing sensation, with the Milk Tea focusing on smoothness and refinement, while the Viola Tricolor emphasizes a snappy and reactive feel.
Taking into consideration the sound profiles and tactile feels of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it's evident that they cater to different preferences in typing experiences. While the Milk Tea offers a cleaner, higher-pitched sound and a polished, silky feel for those who enjoy a smoother typing experience, the Viola Tricolor provides a deeper, punchier sound and an accented, invigorating feel for users seeking a more tactile typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile with a polished and silky typing experience, the Milk Tea may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and bassy sound with accented tactility for an invigorating typing sensation, the Viola Tricolor could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences.
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