PH Studio Milk Tea vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea stands out for its high-pitched yet muted auditory blend, accompanied by a light bottom-out pressure of 43.5g, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Roselle is known for its exceptionally smooth and ethereal typing experience, coupled with a subtle low-pitched sound signature. While the Milk Tea is described as 'clacky' and 'silky', the Roselle is labeled as 'bassy' and 'frictionless'. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in both the PH Studio Milk Tea and the HC Studio Roselle switches are made of POM, which is known to create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to other materials. This means that both switches will likely have a similar sound profile when activated, giving users a consistent experience in terms of sound output. However, the placement of the POM material in the top and bottom housings may affect the overall feel and sound of the switch in different ways.
In terms of the top housing, both the Milk Tea and Roselle switches will provide a similar sound experience when the key is released, as the top housing primarily influences the sound at key release. The deeper and more muted sound profile of the POM material will likely be consistent across both switches, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback when typing. However, the bottom housing of each switch may have a different impact on the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing influences the sound and feel when a key is pressed down.
While both the Milk Tea and Roselle switches share the same POM material for their housing components, any differences in their overall feel and sound profile may stem from the design and construction of the switches themselves. The split between the qualities of the top and bottom housing in a switch can lead to variations in sound and feel when typing, even with the same housing material. Therefore, while users can expect a similar sound profile between the two switches due to the shared POM material, the overall typing experience may still be distinct based on how the housing components interact with the key presses.
Weight
The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may find the Roselle to be more suitable. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so regardless of the choice, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of smoothness, just with varying levels of force required. Ultimately, the decision between the Milk Tea and Roselle will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that pressing down on a key equipped with either switch will result in a similar feeling in terms of travel distance. As a result, users can expect consistent results in terms of key press experience when using either switch.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 is characterized by a high-pitched and clacky sound profile that strikes a balance between presence and subtlety. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a sharper and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound that delivers a deeper and richer auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Milk Tea providing a more high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Roselle presents a low-pitched and bassy tone.
Moving on to feel, the Milk Tea switch is described as polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This is suitable for users looking for a sleek and effortless typing feel. In contrast, the Roselle switch is characterized by its frictionless and mild feel, providing an extremely smooth and gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Milk Tea focusing on a polished and refined finish, while the Roselle emphasizes a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Milk Tea excels in providing a high-pitched and clacky sound with a polished and silky feel, ideal for users looking for a sharper and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle delivers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a frictionless and mild feel, suitable for those seeking a deeper and gentler typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that will enhance the overall typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a light bottom-out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound with a polished and silky feel, the Milk Tea switch may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you engage in prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force with a low-pitched, bassy sound and a frictionless, mild feel, the Roselle switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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