PH Studio Milk Tea vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Yellow Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer different characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Milk Tea, known for its unique auditory blend of high-pitched yet muted sound, is designed for prolonged typing sessions with its light 43.5g bottom-out force and effortless keystrokes thanks to the Ly stem material. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch provides a neutral sound profile with a light actuation force, making it ideal for those who prioritize speediness and responsiveness, such as gamers and typists. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Yellow Silver, we can see a distinct difference in the sound profiles they produce. The Milk Tea's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer one type of sound over the other. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Yellow Silver's housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the Milk Tea may not have.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the differences continue between the two switches. The Milk Tea's POM bottom housing also creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Yellow Silver's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the POM housing. This difference in sound can cater to users who have preferences for either a clearer or more muted typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the PH Studio Milk Tea and the Outemu Yellow Silver will largely depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience. While the Milk Tea offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing materials, the Yellow Silver provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate and nylon housing. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different user preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you are looking for. If similar results are desired, choosing a switch with similar housing materials may provide a comparable sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea is lighter in both aspects, with an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams. In contrast, the Yellow Silver is slightly heavier, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Those looking for a lighter switch may prefer the Milk Tea, as it allows for longer typing sessions and smoother keystrokes. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver offers a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Despite the differences in force, both switches provide a smooth linear feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Yellow Silver's 4 mm. The Milk Tea offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which may be more suitable for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more pronounced feedback. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Milk Tea being slightly shorter and the Yellow Silver slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for response time and key press depth.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch is known for its high-pitched and somewhat muted sound profile, creating a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. This switch is described as clacky, high-pitched, and resonant, offering a sharp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch features a neutral sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a moderate sound with a light actuation force. When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is often praised for its polished and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and refined key travel. While the feel of the Yellow Silver switch is unknown, it can be expected to offer a similar smoothness due to its light actuation force. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and provide a smooth typing experience, making them suitable options for users with varied typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a unique auditory experience with a balance of presence and subtlety, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a medium-light bottom out force, the Yellow Silver switch might better suit your gaming or typing style. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific qualities you value in a mechanical keyboard switch. Consider these factors carefully before making your selection.
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