PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Aflion Windy Shadow
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Aflion Windy Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch with the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, both offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch, with its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, is designed for prolonged typing sessions with its accessible bottom-out of 43.5g. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow switch by Aflion provides a neutral sound profile and a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a comfortable bottom-out of 55g. While the Milk Tea switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Resonant', the Windy Shadow switch falls under 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral'. Each switch has its own strengths and may cater to different typing preferences. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
19.7mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Aflion Windy Shadow both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Milk Tea features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Windy Shadow uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material leads to distinct auditory experiences for users of each keyboard. While the POM housing of the Milk Tea offers a more subdued sound, the polycarbonate housing of the Windy Shadow provides a clearer and resonant tone.
Despite their differences, both keyboards showcase the impact that housing materials can have on sound quality. The translucency of polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Windy Shadow allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visual element to the auditory experience. On the other hand, the use of POM in the Milk Tea's top housing creates a unique sound profile that is pleasing to the ear. Additionally, the Nylon bottom housing of the Windy Shadow contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea provides a similar sound profile. Overall, both keyboards offer distinct sound experiences based on their housing materials.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switches, it's important to acknowledge the split qualities between the top and bottom housings of a keyboard. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities allows for a nuanced sound experience that is shaped by the material composition of each housing component. Whether it's the POM and polycarbonate of the Milk Tea and Windy Shadow, or the Nylon and POM of their bottom housings, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of these keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch, it is clear that the Milk Tea is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the Windy Shadow has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, although the actuation force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming may find the Milk Tea to be a more comfortable option, as it requires less force to activate and press all the way down. On the other hand, the Windy Shadow may appeal to those who prefer a slightly firmer push when typing, even though the actuation force is not specified. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing experience and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch's 3.5 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Milk Tea may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a more immediate response may find the Windy Shadow to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and how each individual user perceives and interacts with the travel distance.
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 Aflion Windy Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Windy Shadow for $3.91.
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 high-pitched yet muted sound profile, providing a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. On the other hand, the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch produces a neutral sound profile with a distinctive bounce from its extended spring, offering a more moderate and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, the Milk Tea switch might be preferred for those who enjoy a crisper, sharper sound, while the Windy Shadow switch could be ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed and bass-heavy sound.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish that enhances overall typing comfort. Conversely, the Windy Shadow switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Depending on personal preference, the Milk Tea switch might be favored for its smooth key travel and reduced friction, while the Windy Shadow switch could be preferred for its gentle typing experience that suits a wide range of users.
Overall, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Aflion Windy Shadow linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Milk Tea switch boasts a high-pitched sound and polished typing feel, the Windy Shadow switch provides a neutral sound profile and mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both switches offering a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea and Aflion Windy Shadow linear switches, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter switch with a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, along with a polished and silky typing feel, the Milk Tea may be the better option for you. This switch is designed for prolonged typing sessions and offers a unique auditory blend with a muted essence. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, along with a mild and gentle typing feel, the Windy Shadow may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preference for sound profile, typing feel, and bottom-out force to ensure an optimal typing experience.
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