PH Studio Milk Tea vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches can significantly impact your typing experience regarding sound and feel. The Milk Tea switch offers a distinctive auditory profile characterized by its high-pitched, yet muted tones, creating a harmonious blend that balances presence with subtlety, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a nuanced keystroke. Its use of Ly for the stem material ensures that every key press feels smooth and effortless, enhancing your overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a heavier actuation force but delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its POM stem and unique PA12 top housing, which provides a softer acoustic profile. This switch may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile bounce and precise feedback with each keystroke. While both options boast unique characteristics, your choice may depend on whether you value a delicate balance of sound and feel or a firmer, distinct auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), we can see both similarities and differences in their sound profiles influenced by the materials used. The Milk Tea utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating an incredibly pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) adopts nylon for its top and bottom housings, a time-tested material that also encourages a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both types of housing foster depth in sound production, POM’s distinct characteristics contribute to a more unique auditory experience, whereas nylon leans towards a classic, rounded sound.

The bottom housing significantly affects the overall sound and feel when pressing the switches, particularly impacting the bottom-out sound. In the case of the Milk Tea, the softer POM bottom housing aids in delivering a sound that is notably pleasant and muted, making each keystroke less harsh. Meanwhile, the Xinhai (Heavy) benefits from nylon’s inherent ability to absorb sound, further enhancing the muted and fuller auditory experience when the bottom is engaged. Both materials have their advantages, yet their contrasting properties can lead to perceptible differences in the user experience, primarily when typing or gaming for extended periods.

When considering the top housings, the Milk Tea's POM brings its muted qualities to the releasing sound of the keys, while the nylon top of the Xinhai (Heavy) further enriches the overall sound profile with a classic feel. As a result, both switches can produce a desirable deeper sound, though the experience may vary when it comes to nuances during use. Ultimately, while the materials differ, the overarching sound profiles lead to similar results; both switches provide a satisfying keystroke experience that many users appreciate. Therefore, whether one opts for the Milk Tea's POM or the Xinhai (Heavy) with its nylon, the resulting auditory feedback can still yield an enjoyable typing atmosphere.

Weight

The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different typing preferences. The Milk Tea switch boasts a light actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Thus, the Milk Tea switch is the lighter option, while the Xinhai (Heavy) is the heavier choice. As a result, users looking for a comfortable and less demanding typing experience should consider the Milk Tea switch, whereas those who prefer a more pronounced key press should opt for the Xinhai.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, it's clear that the former has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 3.4 mm of the latter. This slight difference can influence the typing experience; the Milk Tea switch offers a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile feel, while the Xinhai (Heavy) switch's shorter travel distance can contribute to a quicker response time, which may be particularly appealing to gamers seeking speed and efficiency. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you lean towards a more pronounced depth with the Milk Tea or the responsiveness of the Xinhai (Heavy).

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch to the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Milk Tea is characterized by its fairly high-pitched quality that balances a muted essence, leading to a sound that is clacky, resonant, and marbly. This switch produces a crisp and bright auditory experience, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a more pronounced typing sound. In contrast, the sound profile of the Xinhai (Heavy) is not specified, leaving its auditory characteristics open to interpretation. However, it is important to note that the sound of any switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used, suggesting that one might achieve similar acoustic qualities across different setups.

In terms of tactile feel, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its polished and silky finish, which provides a smooth and refined typing experience. This means users can expect a reduced friction during use, contributing to effortless key travel. On the other hand, the feel of the Xinhai (Heavy) switch remains unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it might compare to Milk Tea in terms of smoothness and overall tactile feedback. Users seeking a seamless typing experience may have to rely on the well-documented attributes of the Milk Tea while awaiting further information on the Xinhai’s tactile qualities.

In summary, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a distinct auditory and tactile experience characterized by its high-pitched sound profile and polished, silky finish, providing an effortless typing experience. The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, while potentially sophisticated, lacks specification on sound and feel, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. Those who prioritize sound clarity and smooth keystrokes may lean toward the Milk Tea, while the Xinhai’s performance remains an intriguing unknown, warranting further exploration.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your preferences for feel, sound, and key resistance. If you prefer a lighter typing experience and are looking for something that feels almost effortless, the Milk Tea switch is an excellent choice. Its smooth, polished, and silky feel, combined with a unique high-pitched sound profile, makes it ideal for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a more tactile auditory experience and want a gentle balance of presence and subtlety in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you're a typist who enjoys a little more resistance and a crisper acoustic profile, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) will be more to your liking. With a firmer bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it delivers a satisfying tactile feedback that many find rewarding, especially during gaming or heavy typing tasks. The combination of its unique housing and POM stem further adds to the clear sound signature, making it a sophisticated choice for anyone who values precision in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific typing style, comfort, and the audio experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more