Gateron Beer vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch with the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, both offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch stands out with its translucent green design, light actuation force, and stepped tactility, providing a refreshing and clacky typing experience. On the other hand, the Yoel switch from PH Studio boasts a creamy and polished feel, with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and resonant. While both switches share a clacky sound signature, the Yoel offers a more luxurious typing experience with its creamy texture and high-pitched resonance. 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
38g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Beer and the PH Studio Yoel feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when compared to other housing materials. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect. Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches contributes to a more distinct and vibrant sound experience.
In contrast, while the Beer utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, the Yoel features a POM bottom housing. The POM material in the Yoel creates a unique and pleasing sound profile that tends to be deeper and more muted compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer. This difference in bottom housing material directly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the Yoel offering a more subdued typing experience due to the characteristics of the POM material. On the other hand, the Beer's use of polycarbonate in the bottom housing contributes to a crisper bottom-out sound and feel when typing.
It is worth noting that the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials of a switch will influence different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing material will primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when a key is pressed, while the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. In the case of the Gateron Beer and the PH Studio Yoel, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and different bottom housing materials results in distinct typing experiences that cater to varying preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. The Beer switch is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a more substantial and tactile typing experience, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences based on weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, making them suitable for fast typing or gaming. The shorter travel distance of the Yoel switch may provide slightly quicker response times compared to the Beer switch. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, preferring the slightly longer travel distance of the Beer switch for a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch are described as having a clacky profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This suggests that users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switches, with a crisp and bright sound. However, the Yoel switch also includes descriptions such as high-pitched, marbly, and resonant, which may offer a slightly more varied sound profile compared to the Beer switch.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and stepped, offering gentle resistance during key presses and a subtle two-stage tactility. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch is described as creamy, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. While the Beer switch focuses on ease of pressing and a stepped tactility, the Yoel switch emphasizes a silky sensation and refined finish for a different typing feel.
Overall, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Beer switch provides a lighter weight and stepped tactility, along with a characteristic clacky sound signature, while the Yoel switch delivers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile. Whether you prefer a more lightweight and subtly tactile switch or a smoother and more polished typing feel, both switches have their own strengths that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the force required to bottom out each switch. If you prefer a lighter touch, the Beer with its 50-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a stepped tactility and a clacky sound signature, the Beer could be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and desire a creamy, polished typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, then the Yoel linear switch may be the better option for you. Ultimately, your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile will determine which switch is the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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