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PH Studio Milk Tea vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

An in-depth look at the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When considering two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer unique experiences for typists. The Milk Tea switch, known for its gentle balance between high-pitched sound and muted essence, is designed for comfortable prolonged typing sessions with its light 43.5g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. While the Milk Tea switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', and 'Resonant'. Both switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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

43g

Bottom-out force

43.5g

Bottom-out force

48g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.90 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.50 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

Proprietary KTT blend

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

POK

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Single stage lengthened 22mm spring

Spring

Stainless steel 18mm spring

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the PH Studio Milk Tea and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, it is clear that they offer different sound profiles and durability. The POM top housing of the Milk Tea creates a deep and muted sound, while the KTT blend top housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream produces a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, while the POM bottom housing of the Milk Tea also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream offers exceptional durability with wear resistance 14 times stronger than POM.

Despite their differences, both switches share a common goal of providing a unique and pleasing sound experience. The use of special housing materials in both the Milk Tea and the Vanilla Ice Cream contributes to their distinct sound profiles, whether it be deep and muted or high-pitched and clacky. Additionally, the durability of the housing materials in both switches ensures a long-lasting performance that can withstand heavy or prolonged use. This emphasis on sound quality and durability showcases the commitment of both PH Studio and KTT to providing a premium typing experience for their users.

While the top and bottom housings of the Milk Tea and Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer different characteristics, they each play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a more significant impact on the sound when a key is released. By carefully selecting and blending materials for both the top and bottom housings, PH Studio and KTT have created switches that cater to a variety of preferences, from deep and muted to high-pitched and clacky, while ensuring durability and longevity.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both fall on the lighter side of the spectrum. The Milk Tea has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream's 43 grams, while both bottom out forces are also relatively light at 43.5 grams and 48 grams respectively. This means that both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a minimal amount of force required. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Milk Tea, while those who prefer a slightly stronger push feel may opt for the Vanilla Ice Cream. Ultimately, both switches provide a smooth typing experience that is well-suited for extended typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

The PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0mm standard. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer 3.6 mm travel distance of the Milk Tea switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance.

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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.

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 and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch both share a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. The Milk Tea switch is described as clacky, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is characterized as marbly. Both switches offer a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing typists with an auditory experience that sets them apart from other switches on the market. Additionally, the specific sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used in combination.

When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch is polished and silky, offering typists a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation akin to gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches prioritize a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, making them suitable choices for those who value tactile feedback and keypress consistency.

In conclusion, both the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Milk Tea switch leans towards a clacky and polished experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a marbly and creamy sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual user is seeking. Regardless of the choice, typists can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that enhances their overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a gentle balance between presence and subtlety in sound, alongside an effortless typing experience tailored for prolonged sessions, the Milk Tea switch with its high-pitched yet muted sound and polished, silky feel might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a creamy, buttery sound profile that stands out from the crowd, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch with its POK material construction and high-pitched, clacky sound signature could be the perfect fit for your keyboard preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Choose wisely based on what suits your typing needs the best.

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