PH Studio Milk Tea vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the TTC Yunhai both stand out as excellent linear options, yet they offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Milk Tea switch, crafted by BSUN, is celebrated for its unique auditory characteristics, featuring a high-pitched, clacky sound that still manages to maintain a muted essence. This duality makes it appealing for users who appreciate a switch that balances presence with subtlety, while its Ly stem material enhances the smoothness of each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai prioritizes a deep, rounded sound profile combined with an exceptionally light actuation force, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a gentle, effortless feel during typing sessions. The decision between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference: whether one leans towards a more audible and polished experience with the Milk Tea, or favors the soft, rounded feedback of the Yunhai. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and TTC Yunhai switches exhibit both similarities and differences that influence the overall sound profile and typing experience. Both switches utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) in the Milk Tea and nylon in the Yunhai for their top and bottom housings. The POM material in the Milk Tea is known for producing a deep and muted sound profile, characterized as unique and pleasing. Conversely, the nylon used in the Yunhai, being a classic housing material, also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This creates a comparable auditory experience; however, the nuances of each material lead to distinct sound qualities during typing.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Milk Tea's POM and Yunhai's nylon again create deeper and more muted sound profiles. The POM bottom housing's inherent properties produce a sound that is also characterized as unique and pleasing, similar to that of the Yunhai. However, nylon’s relatively softer plastic creates an absorbing effect that allows for a more pronounced and rounded sound. This adds a layer of richness to the typing experience with the Yunhai. Despite these differences, both switches will ultimately deliver a satisfying sound and tactile feedback due to their respective materials’ ability to dampen noise.
Moreover, the interaction between top and bottom housings in both switches contributes significantly to the overall typing sensation. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea affects the sound when releasing a key, while the nylon top housing of the Yunhai brings a classic touch to the typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is more pronounced during the bottom-out sound, emphasizing the unique characteristics of each material. Overall, despite the differences in materials, both the PH Studio Milk Tea and TTC Yunhai switches are capable of achieving similar results in terms of deeper sound profiles and satisfying tactile feedback, making them appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking enriching typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it is evident that the Milk Tea offers a lighter typing experience. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, while the Yunhai features a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that users who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might prefer the Milk Tea, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Yunhai, given its heavier forces, which provide a stronger push sensation. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Milk Tea's lower forces make it the more suitable option for those prioritizing ease and comfort during extended use.
Travel distance
Both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit identical travel distances, each measuring 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar actuation experiences when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. The shared travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable feel, contributing to a consistent typing experience regardless of the choice between them. Thus, whether one opts for the Milk Tea or the Yunhai, the travel distance will remain the same.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 comparing the auditory qualities of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Milk Tea presents a distinctiveness that is primarily characterized by its high-pitched sound. This results in a clacky, marbly, and resonant auditory experience that gives every keystroke a bright, crisp presence while maintaining a muted essence. The overall sound profile is delicate, allowing for an immersive experience without being overly intrusive. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Yunhai switches remain largely undefined in the current context, indicating that they may feature a different auditory profile, perhaps not as sharp as the Milk Tea switches, but instead focusing more on depth and roundedness, which might appeal to users preferring bassier sounds.
In terms of feel, the Milk Tea switch excels with a polished and silky typing experience resulting from superior materials and potentially factory lubing. This smoothness translates into a sleek operation with minimal resistance, allowing typists to enjoy effortless key presses. On the other hand, the tactile nuances of the Yunhai switches are currently not detailed. There is a suggestion that their incredibly light actuation force could imply a gentle feel that's easy on the fingers, making for an effortless typing experience as well.
In conclusion, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch stands out with its unique blend of high-pitched sound output and polished, silky feel, creating an enjoyable typing experience characterized by clarity and ease. While the TTC Yunhai linear switch brings a gentler and possibly deeper auditory and tactile experience, limited details on its specific sound and feel leave room for interpretation. For typists considering these options, the Milk Tea switches offer a defined auditory and tactile experience, while the Yunhai switches might provide a more subdued yet pleasant alternative with emphasis on lightness and comfort.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it comes down to personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience. If you're looking for a switch that provides a light actuation force of 43.5 grams and offers an enjoyable auditory experience with clacky, high-pitched sounds, the Milk Tea switch may be the better fit for you. Its polished and silky feel ensures that typing is smooth and effortless, making it suitable for extended periods of use, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation at 50 grams with a deeper, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai switch could be more appealing. While it may not have the same auditory complexity as the Milk Tea, its gentle, effortless typing experience makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a more subdued yet satisfying feel. Therefore, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and desired tactile feedback before making your decision.