PH Studio Milk Tea vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea and SP-Star Yanyu are both linear mechanical keyboard switches offering unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch, known for its high-pitched yet muted sound, provides a gentle balance between presence and subtlety, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. With a bottom-out force of 43.5g and a stem material made of Ly, it ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is perfect for those seeking a delicate typing experience, thanks to its crisp sound profile. While the Milk Tea is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Marbly', the Yanyu falls into categories like 'Neutral' and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their unique advantages, offering a choice between a more pronounced typing experience or a softer touch. 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
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the SP-Star Yanyu both offer unique sound profiles, but with distinct differences. The Milk Tea features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Yanyu utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that leans towards a brighter sound. In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize POM for the Milk Tea and a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for the Yanyu, with the former providing a deep and muted sound and the latter offering a brighter tone. Overall, while both switches offer pleasing and unique sound profiles, the specific qualities of each housing material contribute to differing auditory experiences.
In terms of sound profile, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in how the switch ultimately sounds and feels. With the Milk Tea, the POM top and bottom housing materials work together to create a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both the top and bottom housing creates a brighter tone. The bottom housing of a switch has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This distinction in housing materials allows for a varied and customized sound experience based on the specific qualities of each material used.
While there are differences in the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the SP-Star Yanyu switches, both switches ultimately offer similarly pleasing and unique sound profiles. The POM top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea create a deep and muted sound, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top and bottom housings of the Yanyu produce a brighter tone. Despite these differences, the overall goal of providing a pleasant sound experience is achieved in both switches, showcasing the versatility and customization that can be achieved through different housing materials. Whether a switch utilizes POM or a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, the end result is a sound profile that is distinct and enjoyable in its own right.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that both switches are on the lighter side in terms of force required for typing. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Yanyu has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Milk Tea slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, but both have a similar bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of the Milk Tea may make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where typing fatigue is a concern. On the other hand, the Yanyu's slightly higher bottom out force may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Milk Tea. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Milk Tea being slightly shorter. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Milk Tea due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Yanyu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 auditory experience with a blend of high-pitched and muted tones, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. This switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant, providing a sharp, crisp sound profile that can be ideal for those seeking a more distinct auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is known for its crisp sound profile, offering a more delicate typing experience suited for prolonged typing sessions. described as neutral and thocky, the Yanyu switch produces a moderate sound profile with a deep and satisfying thocky sound. While the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps, these subjective qualities can help newcomers understand the auditory differences between the two switches.
When it comes to feel, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch is designed with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a polished and sleek typing experience. This switch is described as polished and silky, offering reduced friction and smooth key travel for effortless typing sessions. Conversely, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience with qualities like feathery and subtle resistance, making it comfortable for extended use without causing finger fatigue. Both switches feature a polished finish, providing a smooth typing feel that caters to users looking for a more refined and gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Milk Tea switch provides a sharper and more high-pitched sound with a polished and silky typing feel, the Yanyu switch delivers a more delicate and neutral sound profile with a mild and feathery typing experience. Overall, choosing between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel during typing sessions, as both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a unique auditory experience with a high-pitched yet muted sound profile, along with a polished and effortless typing feel, the Milk Tea switch would be a great choice for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile and a feathery and subtle typing feel, the Yanyu switch would be ideal for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the sound, feel, and typing demands that align with your preferences.
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