KTT Ash Gray vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Ash Gray and the PH Studio Yoel offer distinct typing experiences. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch known for its subtle yet satisfying tactile response, providing a light touch with crisp actuation. On the other hand, the Yoel is a linear switch that offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. While the Ash Gray is considered easy-to-press and mild, the Yoel is characterized by its creamy, high-pitched, and resonant qualities. Both switches have their unique appeal, catering to different preferences in typing feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate top housing materials, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate plastic. This material is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for light to shine through. On the other hand, the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Yoel's POM bottom housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end and is relatively more muted compared to nylon.

While both the Ash Gray and Yoel feature polycarbonate top housings for a similar sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The split between nylon and POM bottom housings means that the qualities of each material influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. This provides users with a unique combination of sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing styles.

In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate top housings, as they allow for a clear housing that is visually appealing and functional for RGB lighting effects. However, the choice between nylon and POM bottom housings can significantly alter the overall sound profile of the switch. The KTT Ash Gray offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, while the PH Studio Yoel provides a more muted and unique sound with its POM bottom housing. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing experience.

Weight

In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams while the Yoel needs 60 grams. This makes the Ash Gray a lighter option overall, suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience to prevent fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Yoel offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Both switches offer a medium level of force overall, with the Ash Gray leaning towards the lighter side and the Yoel towards the heavier side. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for typing feel and comfort.

Travel distance

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.3 mm between the two may not be significant to most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper press may lean towards the Ash Gray, while those seeking a quicker, more responsive feel may opt for the Yoel. Ultimately, both switches offer similar benefits in terms of travel distance, providing a satisfying typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a more neutral profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, with a resonance that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches have distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a more neutral sound or a clacky, high-pitched one.

In terms of feel, the Ash Gray tactile switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Yoel linear switch provides a creamy and polished feel, with a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels like gliding fingers across the keys with ease. The silky sensation of the Yoel switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. These differences in feel cater to those who prefer a light and easy typing experience versus a smooth and refined one.

Taking all the available information into account, it is clear that the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Ash Gray switch provides a more neutral sound and an easy-to-press feel, the Yoel switch offers a clacky, high-pitched sound and a creamy, polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prioritize sound characteristics like brightness and resonance, or feel characteristics like ease of typing and smoothness. Both switches will provide a quality typing experience, but the choice between them will come down to personal preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a tactile feedback that is both noticeable yet gentle, the Ash Gray may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and a linear, creamy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, the Yoel switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more