Durock Black Lotus vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the PH Studio Yoel mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique experiences for users. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel, precise actuation, and reduction of housing and stem wobble, providing maximum typing pleasure with its 55g actuation weight. On the other hand, the Yoel, manufactured by BSUN, offers a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that resonates satisfyingly upon bottom-out. The unique light column of the Black Lotus provides in-switch lighting and is fully removable, while the Yoel is characterized by a marbly, resonant feel. While each switch has its own strengths and qualities, both switches offer a polished and smooth typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the PH Studio Yoel switches offer different sound profiles and experiences due to their unique materials. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which provides a premium feel and potentially a softer sound profile. In contrast, the Yoel utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through their top housing materials, albeit in distinct ways.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Durock Black Lotus employs a nylon housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel features a POM bottom housing, known for its pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. Both bottom housing materials aim to impact the sound and feel of the switch when pressed down, contributing to the overall typing experience in different ways.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus and the PH Studio Yoel housing materials depends on personal preference and desired typing experience. While the Black Lotus offers a premium feel and potentially softer sound with its modified PC and UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Yoel provides a sharper, crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and POM bottom housing. Whether looking for a deeper and fuller sound or a crisper and higher-pitched sound, both switches deliver unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Yoel's 53 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Black Lotus is 63.5 grams, while the Yoel's is 60 grams. This makes the Black Lotus slightly heavier in both aspects, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a good balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch have different travel distances, with the Black Lotus having a travel distance of 4 mm and the Yoel having a travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Black Lotus has a longer travel distance compared to the Yoel. In general, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying keystroke for some users, while a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying travel distances, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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, the Durock Black Lotus switch is best described as having a quiet and smooth profile, enhancing the typing experience with a subtle sound. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback with each key press. The Black Lotus switch focuses on a quieter and more refined sound, while the Yoel switch offers a more vibrant and crisp sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus switch is known for its silky and buttery typing sensation, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. It minimizes resistance and offers a polished finish, enhancing the overall typing feel. Similarly, the PH Studio Yoel switch also offers a creamy and polished typing experience, allowing fingertips to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Durock Black Lotus and PH Studio Yoel switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Black Lotus switch focuses on a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Yoel switch provides a more pronounced and vibrant sound profile. Both switches prioritize a silky and polished typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer high-quality performance and a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider the characteristics that matter most to you. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom out force, silky smooth typing experience, and in-switch lighting, then the Black Lotus may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force, a chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile, and a resonant feel when keys bottom out, then the Yoel may be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of keystroke feel, sound profile, and specific features that suit your typing style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing needs for the optimal typing experience.
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