Kailh Berry vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, you are presented with two unique options to consider for your mechanical keyboard setup. The Berry is favored for its hefty and springy typing experience, along with a chalk-like texture that adds to the overall feel. With a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy', this switch offers a distinct tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Yoel switch stands out for its chewy and enveloping typing sensation, coupled with a bright and clacky sound profile that is both satisfying and pronounced at the same time. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'High-pitched', 'Marbly', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Resonant', the Yoel switch provides a different typing experience altogether. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the PH Studio Yoel both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that resonates well, resulting in a clear sound output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. However, the Yoel also has a polycarbonate top housing, suggesting that both switches will offer similar sound profiles and aesthetics due to this material choice.
On the other hand, the Berry utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Yoel's POM bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and more muted sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches may result in a noticeable variation in sound characteristics when typing on them. The Berry's bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Yoel's POM bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and relatively more muted sound output.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of a switch. While the top housing primarily influences the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing affects the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. The division of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch allows for a nuanced and dynamic typing experience, with each housing material contributing unique qualities to the sound output. Both the Kailh Berry and the PH Studio Yoel showcase how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The Kailh Berry linear switch and PH Studio Yoel linear switch have notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Berry switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Yoel switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium switch in terms of heaviness. The actuation force of the Berry switch is not specified, while the actuation force of the Yoel switch is 53 grams. This means that the Yoel switch requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Berry switch, which is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Those who prefer a heavier push feel may lean towards the Berry switch due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, the Berry has a travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Yoel has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Kailh Berry has a longer travel distance compared to the PH Studio Yoel. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Kailh Berry would offer a slightly deeper press than the Yoel, which may feel more substantial to some users. However, for those seeking quicker feedback and responsiveness, the PH Studio Yoel may be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for keypress depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy profile, providing a mellow and rich tone with a deep resonance during key presses. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offers a distinctly clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a bright and crisp auditory experience with a resonant quality when keys bottom out. Depending on personal preference, the Berry switch may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper and more bass-heavy sound, while the Yoel switch may be favored by those who prefer a sharper and brighter sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its textured typing experience, offering a springy feel with a chalk-like texture when typing. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch provides a creamy and polished typing sensation, enveloping fingertips with a smooth and buttery feel that glides effortlessly across the keys. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Berry catering to those who enjoy a textured and springy feel, and the Yoel appealing to users who prefer a silky and polished typing experience.
Overall, the Kailh Berry linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. If you enjoy a low-pitched and bassy sound with a springy and textured feel, the Berry switch may be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and polished feel, the Yoel switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel, as both options provide unique and satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, you would want to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch if you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a springy and chalk-like texture, as well as a deep sound profile with low-pitched and bassy characteristics. On the other hand, you would opt for the PH Studio Yoel linear switch if you enjoy a lighter key press that feels chewy and enveloping, along with a bright and clacky sound profile featuring high-pitched, marbly, and resonant qualities. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize the typing experience in terms of texture and feel or the sound profile that complements your preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so make your choice based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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