PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, known for its unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, is tailored for prolonged typing sessions with its accessible bottom-out of just 43.5g. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactility with a light touch and neutral sound signature, providing a balanced typing experience. While the Milk Tea switch leans towards a clacky and polished feel, the Violet Gold Pro switch is described as stepped and neutral. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro differ significantly in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The Milk Tea's POM top and bottom housings create a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between POM and polycarbonate ultimately comes down to personal preference, with POM offering a more subdued sound and polycarbonate delivering a brighter and clearer sound.
Aesthetically, the housing materials of the Milk Tea and Violet Gold Pro also differ in terms of their transparency. The Milk Tea's POM housing is not transparent, while the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting. This means that the Violet Gold Pro offers more customization options when it comes to lighting effects, making it a more visually striking option for those who enjoy incorporating RGB into their setups. However, the lack of transparency in the POM housing of the Milk Tea may appeal to users who prefer a more understated look for their keyboards.
Despite their differences, both the Milk Tea and the Violet Gold Pro feature housing materials that significantly impact the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings means that each material contributes its own qualities to the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, whether you prefer the deeper and more muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, but based on the actuation force alone, the Milk Tea is the lighter option overall. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the heavier actuation force of the Violet Gold Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Violet Gold Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Milk Tea has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Violet Gold Pro, indicating that it may provide a slightly quicker response time when typing. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press feeling. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Milk Tea being the shorter option and the Violet Gold Pro being the longer option, making them suitable for those looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 offers a unique blend of a high-pitched yet muted sound, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. The Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement. This makes the Violet Gold Pro a versatile option suitable for various typing needs. When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is revered for its polished and silky typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro switch is noted for its stepped tactile feedback, providing a more subtle tactile bump compared to hyper-tactile switches. Overall, the Milk Tea switch is best suited for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Violet Gold Pro switch caters to users looking for a balanced typing experience with a smoother key feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a light and effortless typing experience with a unique auditory blend that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you engage in prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium tactility with a balanced typing experience and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
