PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch stand out as compelling options with distinct characteristics. The Milk Tea switch, known for its high-pitched yet muted sound profile, offers a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. With a light bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material of Ly for effortless keystrokes, this switch is tailored for those who require comfort and ease during extensive typing. On the other hand, the Violet switch is praised for its smooth actuation and poppy tactility, providing a satisfying typing experience with a neutral sound signature. While the Milk Tea is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Violet is classified as 'Stepped' and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Jerrzi Violet boasts a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in sound profiles between the two switches is quite notable, with the POM top housing of the Milk Tea providing a more subdued acoustic experience compared to the more resonant sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Violet. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing aspect to the typing experience.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Milk Tea and the Violet differ once again. The Milk Tea utilizes a POM bottom housing for a deeper and more muted sound, while the Violet is equipped with a nylon bottom housing that creates a fuller and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to the more resonant feel of the POM bottom housing in the Milk Tea. These contrasting qualities in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Jerrzi Violet, both switches showcase the importance of top and bottom housing materials in creating unique sound profiles. While the POM and polycarbonate top housings offer distinct acoustic experiences, the Nylon and POM bottom housings also play a significant role in shaping the overall sound of each switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound profiles, with the Milk Tea providing a deeper and more muted sound, while the Violet offers a sharper and crisper acoustic experience.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch. The Milk Tea requires 37.5 grams of force to actuate and 43.5 grams to bottom out, while the Violet needs 45 grams to actuate with an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Milk Tea will provide a lighter typing experience overall. The weight of a switch is important as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Some may prefer the lighter force of the Milk Tea for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the stronger push of the Violet for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so users should consider their preferences when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be barely perceptible to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the tactile feel and responsiveness of the keys.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 unique blend of qualities with its high-pitched yet muted sound profile. This creates a delicate balance between presence and subtlety, making it suitable for those who prefer a less pronounced typing noise. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature, providing a balanced and enjoyable auditory experience. While the Milk Tea switch leans towards a sharper and crisper sound, the Violet switch offers a more moderate and versatile sound profile.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Milk Tea is lauded for its polished and silky typing experience, thanks to the materials used and the smooth key travel it offers. This results in a refined and sleek feel when typing, minimizing friction and ensuring effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch is described as stepped, providing a tactile sensation that feels like it has two stages. This characteristic gives a more mild tactile feedback compared to switches with a single, pronounced bump.
Considering all the available information, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Milk Tea excels in providing a unique auditory experience with its high-pitched sound and effortless keypresses, the Violet offers a more subdued sound profile and a gentle tactile feel for a pleasant typing experience. In terms of sound and feel, users can expect contrasting results between the two switches, ensuring a varied typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you're looking for a keyboard switch that provides a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, ideal for prolonged typing sessions, then the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is the way to go. Its light bottom-out force of 43.5 grams and high-pitched, clacky sound make it a great choice for those who prioritize typing comfort and reduced fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, the Jerrzi Violet switch is your best bet. With a neutral sound profile and a stepped feel that offers a more mild tactile experience, the Violet switch is perfect for those seeking a balanced and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific preferences and typing needs.
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