PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and Gateron Weightlessness present distinct flavors to suit different typing preferences. The Milk Tea, a linear switch manufactured by BSUN, stands out for its unique auditory profile, delivering a fairly high-pitched yet muted sound that creates a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Its construction, featuring a Ly stem material, ensures an effortless keystroke, making it an ideal choice for users who favor a smooth and silent typing experience without the interference of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, characterized by its subtle to moderate tactile feel, offers a satisfying bump that can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaging feedback experience. This switch's balanced sound profile complements its tactile sensitivity, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a tactile sensation while typing. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Milk Tea catering to users seeking a quiet, fluid typing experience, while the Weightlessness appeals to those who prefer tactile feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Gateron Weightlessness switches differ in their housing materials, creating varied auditory experiences despite both aiming for deeper sound profiles. The Milk Tea switches feature a Polyoxymethylene (POM) top and bottom housing, renowned for producing a unique sound that is rich and relatively muted. This quality can enhance the user’s typing experience, as the POM plastic contributes to a warm acoustic signature. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness employs a nylon outer housing that is significantly softer than POM. The nylon composition allows for improved sound absorption, creating a rounder and deeper overall sound profile that resonates differently, despite the somewhat similar intention of achieving a pleasant auditory feedback.

When focusing on the bottom housings, the Milk Tea’s POM and the Weightlessness’s nylon serve as contrasting yet complementary materials. The POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea is lauded for its ability to craft a sound that is deep and distinct, while the Gateron's nylon bottom also produces a rounder and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing characteristics. The resulting differences mean that while both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback, the Milk Tea’s sound may lean more towards a sharper clarity, while the Weightlessness offers a smoother sound experience. In essence, the interaction between key presses and releases will yield different tactile and auditory signatures from each switch, influenced significantly by these housing materials.

Both switches will ultimately deliver satisfying results in terms of sound profiles; however, users can expect a subtly distinctive experience largely driven by the material differences. The POM used in the Milk Tea contributes to an acoustic environment that is unique and muted, whereas the nylon of the Gateron Weightlessness molds a sound that is soft and enveloping. Those seeking a refined and deep sound may find either switch appealing, particularly as the top housing will dictate the sound upon key release while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out feel and sound. Consequently, the choice between these two housing types boils down to personal preference in typing experience and sound quality.

Weight

When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Milk Tea switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37.5 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer typing for extended periods without finger fatigue. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel when typing. Additionally, the Milk Tea’s bottom out force of 43.5 grams indicates that users will experience a gentle resistance when pressing down to the switch’s limit. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it feels when fully pressed. Overall, if you seek a lighter, more effortless typing experience, the Milk Tea switch is the superior option, while the Weightlessness caters to those who favor a stronger feedback in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Milk Tea has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness features a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Milk Tea switch provides a more pronounced feel with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper keypress for a more secure typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, could be more suited for gamers seeking quick responsiveness and swift actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance: the Milk Tea offers more depth, making it a better fit for users who enjoy a more traditional, hearty feel, while the Weightlessness caters to those who favor quicker, more efficient keypresses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its high-pitched, clacky resonance. This switch produces sharp, crisp sounds that are both bright and percussive, creating a lively typing atmosphere without coming across as overly aggressive. The marbly and resonant qualities enhance the clarity of each keystroke, ensuring that it feels engaging while remaining subtly muted. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Weightlessness switches is less defined, which may suggest a more subdued auditory experience. The balanced sound complementing its tactile feel implies they likely produce a moderate sound that won’t distract but rather blend seamlessly with the tactile feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switches stand out for their polished and silky characteristics. These features create an incredibly smooth typing experience with reduced friction during key travel, allowing for effortless presses and releases. The smoothness accentuated by materials and factory lubrication elevates the overall typing experience, making it pleasurable for extended use. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel, indicating a more pronounced feedback without excessive resistance. This tactile quality may not rival the buttery smoothness of the Milk Tea, but it still offers an enjoyable level of engagement during typing.

In conclusion, if you're seeking clarity and vibrancy in your typing experience, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is a prime choice, providing an engaging sound and silky feel. Though the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a more balanced auditory experience and gently tactile feedback, its overall characteristics remain somewhat indistinct. Depending on your preferences, the Milk Tea could bring a lively and smooth typing ambiance, while the Weightlessness might cater to those desiring a more grounded and subtle engagement. Both switches present unique qualities, allowing you to find the ideal fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a light and smooth keystroke with a satisfying auditory signature, the Milk Tea switch is a fantastic option, particularly if you enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound profile that adds character to your typing experience. Its polished and silky feel makes it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming or typing, where quick and effortless keystrokes are essential. Conversely, if you appreciate a tactile feedback without the linear feel, the Weightlessness switch may suit you better. Although it's a bit more challenging to get a sense of its bottom-out force, the subtle tactile response combined with a balanced sound profile can enhance typing comfort and overall satisfaction. This makes it ideal for those who type regularly and prefer a switch that provides feedback without being overly loud or disruptive. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize a smooth, lightweight experience with auditory flair or a subtle, tactile feel that enhances your engagement with the keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more